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THE EVOLUTION
OF PROHIBITION
IN THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA
A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
OF THE LIQUOR PROBLEM AND THE TEMPERANCE
REFORM IN THE UNITED STATES FROM THE
EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS TO THE CONSUMMATION
OF NATIONAL PROHIBITION
BY
ERNEST H. CHERRINGTON
EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN ISSUE
GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE WORLD LEAGUE
AGAINST ALCOHOUSM
COPYRIGHT 1S20
BY KRNEST H. CHERRINQTON
THE AMERICAN ISSUE PRESS
WESTERVILLE, OHIO
CANADi/^N W. u. '1'. U.
11 PRINClL ARTHUR AVIi.
TORONTO, 5, ON T.
"For I doubt not through the ages one increasing purpose runs,
And the thoughts of men are widen'd with the process of the suns.
— Alfred Tennyson.
^
/i
PREFACE
M^ 'TTF OBJECT of the author of this history
fl ^j of the Prohibition movement in the United
^^^^ States of America has been to assemble the
facts which have to do with the liquor problem and
the temperance reform and to present the same in
brief chronological form, emphasizing the major note
of the movement towards Prohibition in each of the
several periods with which the history deals.
Each of the ten chapters into which this book has
been subdivided deals with a distinct period of the
temperance reform and a brief general survey of the
movement in each period as the work of that period
is related to the entire record of more than 300 years
of temperance activity.
The facts thus presented distinctly show that the
Prohibition movement in the United States has been
an evolution rather than a revolution, each period
plainly revealing a more advanced temperance senti-
ment and a more aggressive attitude of opposition to
the beverage liquor traffic than that shown in the pre-
ceding period.
The volume thus presented represents research
work extending over several years. Data has been
gathered from practically all available sources, includ-
ing colonial legislative records, histories of the early
Arwerican settlements, public documents of the several
states and the federal government, minutes or pro-
ceedings of the conventions of the several temperance
organizations, church histories, encyclopedias, year
books, compilations of important dates, temperance
records, pamphlets, tracts, magazine articles and news-
paper reports dealing with the temperance movement.
In short, there has been used in the preparation of this
work data from almost every source which has been
available in public libraries and the archives of his-
torical societies.
Among the books and documents consulted in the
preparation of this volume the following deserve men-
tion as having been particularly helpful : Temperance
in All Lands, by J. N. Stearns ; The Centennial Tem-
perance Volume ; One Hundred Years of Temperance,
by the National Temperance Society ; Secrets of the
Great Whisky Ring, by General John McDonald; The
Prohibitionist's Text Book, by the National Temper-
ance Society ; New Encyclopedia of Social Reform, by
VV. D. P. Bliss ; The Life of Frances ^E. WiUard. by
Anjf?a: A-_.GsidQn| Fifty Years' History of the Tem-
perance Crusade, by J. E. Stebbins; A Century of
Drink Reform, by August F. Fehlandt ; The Temper-
ance J^eform, by W. H. Daniels; the Lincoln Legion,
by Louis Albert Banks; Women and Temperance, by
Frances E. Willard ; The Liquor Problem in All
Ages, by Daniel Dorchester ; History of the Woman's
Crusade, by Annie Wittenmeyer; Intoxicating Drinks
and Drugs in All Lands and Times, by Wilbur F.
Crafts; The Temperance Movement, by Henry W.
Blair ; Temperance Progress, by John G. Woolley and
William E. Johnson ; Great Temperance Reforms, by
James Shaw ; Temperance Recollections, by John
Marsh ; Glimpses of Fifty Years, by Frances E. Wil-
lard ; History of Temperance in Massachusetts, by
George F. Clark; The Federal Government and the
Liquor Traffic, by William E. Johnson; Life of John
B. Finch, by Frances E. Finch and Frank J. Sibley;
Memories of the Crusade, by Mother Stewart; Auto-
biography and Personal Recollections, by John B.
Gough ; History of the Independent Order of Good
Templars, by T. F. Parker; Forty Years' Fight with
the Drink Demon, by Charles Jewett; Cyclopedia of
Temperance and Prohibition, by Funk and Wagnalls;
Battling with the Demon, by J. A. Dacus ; minutes or
reports of the proceedings of the national conventions
of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the
Independent Order of Good Templars, the Sons of
Temperance, the Anti-Saloon League of America and
other temperance organizations; also files of the New
Voice, the National Advocate, the Union Signal, The
American Issue, the Scientific Temperance Journal,
and other temperance periodicals.
This volume is presented to the public in the hope
that it may prove to be of service to the temperance
reform at this particular time, when the victory which
has been secured for Prohibition in the United States
must be made permanent through the proper enforce-
ment of the law and the education of all the people
as to the reasons for and the benefits from such a
governmental policy. E. H. C.
September 1, 1920.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
The pioneer period of temperance reform m the united
states of america: 1607-i77s. efforts against excess —
Drinking customs of europe introduced — Sale of liquor
TO INDIANS — Cause of Indian wars — Sale to servants
AND apprentices — DRUNKENNESS — USE OF LIQUOR AT
funerals and other religious ceremonies and rites —
Regulation laws against consumer — First taxation
of the liquor traffic — attitude of the church —
African slave trade — Oglethorpe experiment.
CHAPTER n
Agitation and first efforts against the use of distilled
LIQUORS : 1775-1810. The American revolution — Efforts
TO PROTECT the SOLDIERS — BeNJAMIN RUSH's APPEAL
THROUGH WAR DEPARTMENT — ACTION OF CONTINENTAL CON-
GRESS AND THE COLONIAL LEGISLATURES — EFFORTS OF NEW
YORK AND PHILADELPHIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS — COM-
PARATIVE RECORD OF CONSUMPTION OF DISTILLED, MALT AND
VINOUS LIQUORS IN THE UNITED STATES — ALEXANDER HAM-
ILTON'S REVENUE PLAN — TAXATION BY CONGRESS — ThE
WHISKY REBELLION — REPEAL OF REVENUE LAWS UNDER
THOMAS JEFFERSON — CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS TO SUPPRESS
TRAFFIC AMONG INDIANS.
CHAPTER HI
The AWAKENING OF THE CHURCH : 181O-1826. ATTITUDE OF
the church prior to 181o — special sermons — declara-
tions by church bodies against habits of members —
John wesley's rule — Church effort stops short of
movement to suppress evil outside church communion
— First agitational movement against traffic by public
associations — cooperation by congregational associa-
TIONS AND OTHER CHURCH BODIES — MeTHODIST GENERAL
CONFERENCE — ATTITUDE OF OTHER CHURCH BODIES — PRE-
LIMINARY WORK FOR ORGANIZED ACTIVITY AGAINST TRAFFIC —
Dr. LYMAN BEECHER — OtHER LEADERS — PERIOD OF SPECIAL
RELIGIOUS FERVOR.
CHAPTER IV
Period of organization: 1826-1851. American society for
THE promotion OF TEMPERANCE — NUMEROUS LOCAL TEM-
PERANCE SOCIETIES — RaPID GROWTH OF ORGANIZED TEMPER-
ANCE MOVEMENTS — FiRST NATIONAL TEMPERANCE CONVEN-
TION— American temperance union — Total abstinence
AND pledge-signing MOVEMENTS — CONGRESSIONAL TEMPER-
ANCE society — Washingtonians — Martha Washington
movement — sons of temperance — john b. cough —
Rechabites — Templars of honor and temperance —
Cadets of temperance — Good Samaritans — Father
mathew movement.
CHAPTER V
The first state-wide prohibition wave: 1851-1869. Pro-
hibition efforts prior to 1851 — Partisan political
activity for prohibition — Good templars — World's
temperance convention in new YORK CITY — DIVISION OF
temperance forces — STATES ADOPTING AND REPEALING
PROHIBITION — Lack of enforcement provisions — Anti-
slavery MOVEMENT — CiVIL WAR PERIOD — DISINTEGRATION
OF AMERICAN TEMPERANCE UNION — INTERNAL REVENUE AS
A WAR MEASURE — No ORGANIZED TEMPERANCE FOLLOW-UP
WORK — People considering fight over, and cease sup-
port OF central temperance organizations — The na-
tional TEMPERANCE SOCIETY AND PUBLICATION KUUSE.
CHAPTER VI
The PARTISAN MOVEMENT AGAINST THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC: 1869-
1893. Birth and growth of the prohibition party —
Part played by good templars in organization of party
— Fundamental partisan idea — Progress and experi-
ence— The woman's crusade — The woman's Christian
temperance union — frances e. willard — lucy webb
HAYES — Woman's christian temperance union be-
comes PARTISAN — XON-PARTISAN WOMAN's CHRISTIAN TEM-
PERANCE UNION — Francis murphy movement — Scien-
tific TEMPERANCE INSTRUCTION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS —
National temperance society and other temperance
organizations of the period — second state-wide prohi-
BITION WAVE — Reasons for failure — Reaction —
Leaders of the period.
CHAPTER VII
Non-partisan cooperation for local prohibition : 1893-1906.
Conditions demanding new movement — Fundamental
PRINCIPLES IN non-partisan ACTION — CONTRAST WITH
partisan POLICY — AGITATION AND EDUCATIONAL RESULTS —
The ANTI-SALOON LEAGUE — WoRLd's TEMPERANCE CONVEN-
TION AT CHICAGO — ToWNSHIP, MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY
LOCAL OPTION — PROGRESS UNDER LOCAL OPTION AND REMON-
STRANCE LAWS — Remodeling of old local option laws —
Adoption of new local option laws — Carrie nation —
An ri- canteen movement — Local prohibition tide
THROUGHOUT THE NATION — DEFEAT OF GOVERNOK MYRON T.
HERRICK IN OHIO.
CHAPTER VIII
NON-PARTISAN STATE PROHIBITION MOVEMENT: I906-I913. DIF-
FERENCE BETWF.EN THIS AND TWO PRKCEDING STATE PROHI-
BITION MOVEMENTS — ValUE NON-PARTISAN POLICY DEMON-
STRATED — Close organization — Effective leadership
DRAWN FROM ALL PARTIES — UNITED CHURCH COOPERATION —
United effort among temperance advocates — No direct
OPPOSITION party — Organization and follow-up work —
Enforcement and maintenance of law after enact-
ment — Success breeds success — A strong central
organization — Oklahoma starts state-wide prohibi-
tion MOVEMENT — RaPID PROGRESS IN OTHER STATES —
Fight for interstate shipment law in congpess — Pas-
sage OF THE WEBB-KEN YON LAW — SUMMARY OF PROHIBI-
TION conditions OVER UNITED ST AT^.
CHAPTER IX
Non-partisan movement for national constitutional pro-
hibition : 1913-1919. National prohibition declarations
AND activity PRIOR TO I913 — SONS OF TEMPERANCE PRO-
NOUNCEMENT— Efforts of good templars — Prohibition
PARTY — Woman's christian temperance union efforts
— Difference between new national movement and pre-
ceding national prohibition efforts — Anti-saloon
LE\GUE convention, COLUMBUS, OHIO, I913 — ORGANIZATION
NATIONAL TEMPERANCE COUNCIL — COMMITTEE OF ONE THOU-
SAND MEN — Committee of one thousand women — First
FIGHT IN CONGRESS — LaTER STRUGGLE — FAILURE AND SUC-
CESS— Final triumph in congress — ^War-time prohibi-
tion— Ratification of federal prohibition amendment.
CHAPTER X
Non-partisan movement for world-wide prohibition : 1919-
1920. Preliminary efforts — Columbus conference, 1918
— Organization world league, 1919 — Ratification
world league constitution by national temperance
organizations of the se\'eral nations — First year's
AcnviTiES — Future program.
THE EVOLUTION OF PROHIBITION
IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CHAPTER I
The Pioneer Period of Temperance Activity in
THE United States of America — 1607-1775
THE American liquor problem is as old as
the white man's knowledge of the Ameri-
can continent, and it may be said that prim-
itive phases of the question antedate the
discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in
1492, since the traditions of practically all Ameri-
can Indian tribes include references to ancient cus-
toms and rites having to do with the indulgence
of the aborigines in native intoxicants.
The age-old liquor habits and customs of Europe
were introduced on this continent at a very early
date. In fact, they came with the first explorers.
The earliest settlers appear to have given particular
attention to the kind and quantity of intoxicating
liquors which accompanied them on their voyages
across the Atlantic to their new homes amid the
forests of the Western world.
English, Dutch, Spanish and French pioneers
each made a distinct contribution to the beginnings
of American civilization, but each also bears re-
sponsibility in the matter of the introduction of
liquor-drinking customs different from any which
10 Colonial Period
the Indian had known and which promptly became
the deadly enemy of the American savage, the cause
of many of the internal difficulties of the colonists,
and the principal factor in the numerous early mis-
understandings between the whites and the Red
Men.
At the earliest formal meeting between the
French and the Indians, in 1535, on the island of
Orleans in the St. Lawrence river, Jacques Cartier
is reported to have celebrated the occasion by
spreading a feast of bread and wine for the great
chief Donnaconna and his Indian warriors.
The introduction between Henry Hudson and the
Delawares in 1609 was in the form of a ceremony
which consisted in presenting to the chiefs of the
tribe a large drinking vessel filled with liquor, from
which Hudson himself first drank.
The seed of drinking customs thus early planted
in the New World yielded a prolific harvest. The
use of intoxicating liquors as beverages, begun at
those early dates, increased by leaps and bounds.
There was no condemnation of intoxicating liquors
as such. There was no attitude of hostility to in-
toxicants even on the part of the moral and relig-
ious forces. The only phase of the question which
served to arouse any opposition was that which
presented itself in the form of drunkenness. There
was indeed in those days no scientific knowledge
of the evil physiological effects of alcohol on the
human system. The only sin therefore which in
any sense came under the ban of social condemna-
tion was that of excess which expressed itself in
speech and manner.
Colonial Period 11
This general condition characterized the entire
colonial period. All that could be designated as
temperance reform work in the 168 years from the
founding of Jamestown in 1607 to the outbreak of
the Revolutionary War in 1775 was the activity
which contented itself in agitation and legislation
against the evil of drunkenness. Liquors in
themselves were considered wholesome and neces-
sary. When used in the kind of moderation which
stopped short of drunkenness they were considered
helpful and stimulating. Only when used to excess
were they condemned.
The efforts of the colonists to reduce and finally
to prohibit the sale or gift of intoxicating liquors to
the Indians were due to the fact that the havoc
which intoxicants quickly wrought among the In-
dians indicated clearly and emphatically their possi-
bilities for evil, since it quickly became apparent
that it was all but impossible for the Red Man to
drink in what the white man considered moderation.
The temperance reform movement of the colonial
period, if indeed it can properly be considered as
approaching the dignity of a reform, readily subdi-
vides itself into three phases : first, the effort to pre-
vent the excessive consumption of intoxicating liq-
uors by the Indians on account of the fact that such
abuse caused serious trouble with the savages and
thus menaced the safety of the whites ; second, reg-
ulations to prevent the excessive use by servants
and apprentices, which tended to promote id'eness
and loitering among them thus interfering with the
efficiency of those whose time and labor were sup-
posed to belong to others ; and third, the attempt to
12 Colonial Period
discourage drunkenness among those who had be-
come so addicted to the habit of liquor consumption
that their drunken condition interfered with the
peace and good order of the communities in which
they Hved.
One of the first important commodities to be used
by the early settlers in trade with the Indians was
intoxicating liquors. The Indian was unable to
drink in moderation, and in fact he did not desire
to drink in moderation, for the sensation of drunk-
enness was to him the most attractive feature of
the white man's liquor, which was readily able to
turn the most peaceful Red Man into a savage of
the most ferocious type. Many a chief, seeing the
destruction wrought among his people by the white
man's liquor, exerted every effort against it, both in
trying to influence the members of his own race,
and in appealing to the Colonial governments to dis-
continue the sale of ardent spirits to his people.
The fact is well established that the war known as
the Pequod War in 1638 was largely caused by the
depredations of Indians who had become intoxicated
on liquor secured from the whites, and it is also
well established that King Phillip's War of 1676
was caused in the same way.
Early efforts in the Massachusetts Colony to pre-
vent the sale of intoxicating liquors to servants and
apprentices were due to economic rather than to hu-
manitarian motives. While this may be considered
the primitive stage of the movement against intoxi-
cating liquors in the interest of labor efficiency, it
was evidently not championed by the early colo-
nists for any other, reason than that which grew out
Colonial Period 13
of class distinction, which was strongly marked in
the early days of American history. The time and
services of servants and apprentices were supposed
to belong absolutely to their masters and principals.
Consequently any time spent in loitering, drunken-
ness, or even in idling around public inns, was so
much lost time ; hence the early regulations against
the sale to servants and apprentices were purely
conservation measures from the viewpoint of the
master and employer.
Laws intended to assist in the suppression of
drunkenness during colonial days were for the most
part drawn to regulate the conduct of the individual
consumer rather than to curb the activities of the
seller. Yet there were numerous instances in which
regulation as that term is used by the advocates of
liquor even in this day, was brought to bear on inn-
keepers of the seventeenth century in the interest
of making the sale of intoxicating liquors entirely
"respectable." Among the provisions thus enacted
by the several Colonial governments were included
the prohibition of the sale to persons under certain
ages, the limiting of the amount of liquor sold to
one person at a given time, the regulation of beer-
making so as to insure a wholesome product, and
provisions for closing all public houses at stated
hours.
Taxation of the liquor traffic for revenue purposes
began in the colonies as early as 1650. During that
year the Colony of Connecticut passed a law im-
posing a duty on imported liquors and an excise tax
on liquors manufactured in the United States.
From that time forward for two hundred and sev-
14 Colonial Period
enty years, one of the principal arguments of the
liquor traffic in its own defense has been that it has
served the public by providing revenue for the
government.
The Church of colonial days did not recognize the
liquor traffic as a great evil. On the other hand,
even the immoderate use of liquors was common at
church functions and especially at weddings, church
councils and funerals. This condition existed until
about the middle of the eighteenth century, when
the colonies one by one either by law or by action
of the church bodies themselves began to insist
upon the elimination of liquor consumption in con-
nection with funeral ceremonies. The first recorded
action of this character was taken by the General
Court of Massachusetts in 1742, the decree of the
court forbidding the use of wine and rum at funeral
services.
The relationship between the liquor traffic and
the African slave trade began in the early part of
the eighteenth century. It is not too much to say
that the slave traffic and a large part of the slavery
problem which presented itself in later years were
properly chargeable to the desire of some of the
early colonists to secure a foreign market for Ameri-
can intoxicating liquor products. Something of the
extent to which this traffic had gone in the early
part of the eighteenth century is shown by the fact
that in the year 1734 there were sent from the col-
ony of Rhode Island to the coast of Africa eighteen
vessels of rum which were exchanged for a cargo of
African slaves.
The most outstanding movement against the sale
Colonial Period 15
and use of intoxicating liquors during the colonial
period was the so-called Oglethorpe Experiment in
the colony of Georgia. Upon the arrival of Gov-
ernor Oglethorpe in Georgia in 17^3 he declared the
importation of ardent spirits illegal. The following
year the Councilors of Georgia acted upon the ad-
vice of Oglethorpe and prohibited the importation
of rum. In 1735, the English Parliament, at the
request of Oglethorpe, enacted a law prohibiting
the importation of ardent spirits into the colony of
Georgia. At first this provision was rigidly en-
forced but through the influence of Europeans who
later came to the colony and those who visited
Georgia from other colonies, the enforcement be-
came lax and the law finally drifted into disrepute.
The following chronology for the period shows
something of the gradual growth of the liquor
traffic during colonial days as well as the slow
but decidedly progressive tendency throughout the
period toward emphasizing the evils of the traffic
as they appeared and insisting upon remedial pro-
visions.
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Colonial Period — 1607-1775
1609
Henry Hudson, the British navigator, sails into
New York Bay, lands in the midst of some Delaware
Indians on the island who are fishing, and makes
friends with them by giving them their first intro-
duction to intoxicating liquor. One of the chiefs
drinks the cup of liquor offered by Hudson, be-
16 Colonial Period
comes dead drunk so that his comrades think he has
expired. When he is finally aroused and confesses
to having^ been pleased with the sensation, all the
Indians follow his example.
(There is a tradition that the Indians thereafter re-
ferred to this island as "Manahachta-nienk," which
in the Delaware language means "The island where
we all became intoxicated," and that this name given
to the island by the Delawares was afterward cor-
rupted by the white man into "Manhattan.")
1619
The Colony of Virginia enacts a law against play-
ing dice, cards, drunkenness, idleness and excess in
apparel. This law also requires that drunkards shall
be publicly reproved by ministers.
1620
Massasoit visits the settlement at Plymouth and
is treated by the Governor to a military salute with
music and "a pot of strong water."
1623
The Dutch Reformed Church is established on the
Island of M.iihattan and takes strong grounds
against "the excessive use of intoxicating drinks."
1629
The office of the Massachusetts Colony in London
directs Governor Endicott as follows :
"We pray you endeavor, though there be much
strong water for sale, yet so to order it that the sav-
age may not, for our lucre sake, be induced to the
excessive use or rather abuse of it ; and at any time
take care our people give no ill example ; and if any
shall exceed in the inordinate kind of drinking as to
Colonial Period 17
become drunk, we hope you will take care his pun-
ishment be made exemplary for all others."
The ship "Arabella" bringing Governor Winthrop
to Massachusetts Bay has among its supplies the fol-
lowing: "42 tuns of beer, 14 tuns of water, 1 hogs-
head of vinegar, 2 hogsheads of cider and 4 pumps
for water and beer.*
The Virginia Colonial Assembly enacts a law pro-
viding that "ministers shall not give themselves to
excess in drinkinge, or riott, or spending their tyme
idellye by day or night."
1630
Governor Winthrop of Massachusetts discontin-
ues the practice of drinking healths one to another
and "wishes others to do the like."
1632
Massachusetts Bay Company gives to John Win-
throp Governor's Island on condition that he shall
plant an orchard upon it.
Virginia enacts the provisions of the law of Eng-
land against drunkenness.
1633
Massachusetts Bay Colony stipulates that the
Governor's permit is necessary to sell liquor, and it
is declared that already many are "distempering
themselves with drinke."
Robert Cole of Massachusetts Colony having been
frequently punished for drunkenness is ordered to
wear a red D about his neck for a year.
Plymouth Colony passes a law against permitting
drunkenness in one's house. Innkeepers are to sell
18 Colonial Period
"not over twopence worth to any one but strangjers
just arrived."
John Holmes of Plymouth Colony is censured for
drunkenness and ordered "to sitt in the stocks, and
amerced in twenty shillings fine."
1635
Plymouth Colony heavily fines an unlicensed
liquor dealer.
Massachusetts enacts a law providing that licenses
shall be issued by the court; heavy penalties are
added.
1636
Thomas Savery of Plymouth Colony is found
guilty of drunkenness and ordered whipped.
1637
Wm. Reynolds of Plymouth Colony is found
guilty of being drunk.
The first brewery in America is built by Captain
Sedgwick in Massachusetts Colony.
Massachusetts, in order to discourage drunken-
ness, orders that no person shall remain in any inn
or victualing house "longer than necessary occa-
tions, upon payne of 20 shillings for every offense."
The general court of Massachusetts applies in part
the principle of Prohibition to the traffic in strong
drink, prohibiting the selling of "sack or strong
water" to Indians.
1638
New York sells liquors only at company stores.
The Dutch on Staten Island first distil brandy.
One person in each of eleven named Massachu-
1
Colonial Period 19
setts towns is authorized to sell "sack or strong
water."
The Pequod War with the Indians is caused
largely by troubles growing out of the liquor
traffic with the Indians. Connecticut orders among
the supplies for troops one hogshead of "beare,
three or four gallons of strong water, and two gal-
lons of sacke."
Massachusetts Colony prohibits the drinking of
healths.
A tippling housekeeper is publicly whipped in
Massachusetts.
1639
Massachusetts orders retailers of wine not to al-
low it to be drunk in their houses.
1640
Major La Frediere, commandant of the garrison
stationed at Montreal, turns his quarters into a
dramshop for selling liquor to Indians, and system-
atically swindles them.
1641
The cultivation of hops is introduced into Massa-
chusetts Colony.
John Appleton is said to be the first maltster in
the Colony of Massachusetts.
1642
Maryland adopts a law providing against drunken-
ness under penalty of a fine consisting of 100 pounds
of tobacco. If the oftender is a servant and unable
to pay, he is to be set in the bilboes and compelled
to fast for 24 hours, or be imprisoned.
It is declared in New York that "many accidents
20 Colonial Period
are caused by quarrels, fighting, and the multitude
of low groggeries badly conducted" compel stricter
measures.
1643
Connecticut enacts a law prohibiting anyone from
selling wine or strong water without a license.
1644
Virginia Assembly prohibits the illegal sale of
wine or strong liquor ; strong beer only is permitted,
and no liquor debts are "pleadable or recoverable"
by law.
Liquor revenue pure and simple appears in Mas-
sachusetts laws.
The court of Pennsylvania issues the following
order: "The court, apprehending that it is not fit
to deprive the Indians of any lawful comforts which
God alloweth to all men by the use of wine, orders
that it shall be lawful for all who are licensed to
retail wines, to sell also to Indians."
James, Duke of York and Albany, issues an ordi-
nance against the manufacture and use of malt liq-
uors on Long Island.
New York Colony levies an excise tax on beer,
wine and brandy.
There is a temporary letting down in Massachu-
setts of the law prohibiting the sale of liquors to
Indians.
1645
It is determined in Massachusetts that "more than
half of a pint at one time" is excess, and tippling
"above ye space of half an hour" is forbidden.
Colonial Period 21
New Plymouth, Massachusetts, disfranchises citi-
zens for drunkenness.
Connecticut prohibits the selling of intoxicating
liquors to Indians under penalty of 40 shillings to
5 pounds.
The Massachusetts Colony law of 1639 relative to
drinking of healths is repealed.
The Massachusetts Colony provides for fining inn-
keepers 5 shillings for suffering drunkenness or ex-
cessive drinking in their houses.
West India rum is introduced into the American
colonies.
1647
Rhode Island prohibits drunkenness under penalty
of 5 shillings or 6 hours in the stocks if unable to
pay. Selling liquor to Indians is also forbidden un-
der penalty of 5 pounds.
Connecticut prohibits tipling in "ordinaries."
Massachusetts gives county courts the right to
grant licenses.
1648
It is ordered that only one person in Boston shall
be allowed to sell wine to the Indians.
Probably the first distinctive temperance meeting
on American soil is held at Sillery (Canada) under
the auspices of Father Jerome Lalemant. The
meeting is addressed by an Algonquin chief, who in
his own name and the name of the other chiefs pro-
claims the Governor's edict against drunkenness,
and exhorts the Indians to total abstinence, declar-
ing that all drunken Indians will be handed over to
the French for punishment.
22 Colonial Period
1649
Virginia boasts of six public brew houses.
The Massachusetts Colony orders that "every vic-
tualler, ordinary keeper or taverner should always
keep provided with good and wholesome beer for the
entertainment of strangers who, for want thereof,
are necessitated to much needless expenses in wine."
The Colony of Rhode Island enacts a license law
for Roger Williams, permitting him to sell wine or
"strong water" to sick Indians.
1650
Connecticut lays a heavy duty on all imported liq-
uors and an excise tax on all manufactured at home.
Connecticut passes a law providing that no li-
censed dealer is to suffer any one to be drunk or to
drink excessively (viz., above half a pint at a time)
or to tipple above the space of half an hour, or at
unreasonable times. The penalties are as follows:
For drunkenness appearing in speech or gesture
only, 10 shillings ; for excessive drinking, 3 shillings
4 pence; for tippling over half an hour, 2 shillings
6 pence ; for tippling at unreasonable hours or after
9 o'clock, 5 shillings. The penalty is doubled in
case of second offenses.
1651
The people of East Hampton, Long Island, at a
town meeting pass an ordinance providing "That no
man shall sell any liquor but such as are deputed
thereto by the town, and such men shall not let
youths, and such as are under other men's manage-
ment, remain drinking at unreasonable hours, and
Colonial Period 23
such persons shall not have above half a pint at a
time among four men."
Three grades of malt beer are fixed by Massachu-
setts laws.
1654
The preamble of a liquor law in Massachusetts
says, in part : "Notwithstanding the great care this
court hath had and the laws made to suppress that
swinish sin of drunkenness, yet persons addicted to
the vice find out ways to deceive the law."
The Colony of Massachusetts prohibits licensed
persons from allowing excessive drinking, under fine
of 20 shillings.
1655
The Colony of New Haven passes a liquor regu-
lation law.
The sale of liquors to Indians is forbidden in
Pennsylvania.
Virginia grants to the commissioners of each
county the power to license ordinaries.
The townspeople of East Hampton, Long Island,
pass an ordinance "for the prevention of drunken-
ness among the Indians," also against "selling to
them or sending any to them or employing any one
to sell for them," also against selling them liquor
"in the town for the present drinking above two
draws at one time ; and to sell to no Indian but such
as are sent by the Sachem and shall bring a written
ticket from him, which shall be given him by the
town, and he shall not have above a quart at a time."
1656
Rhode Island grants to constables and ordinary-
24 Colonial Period
keepers the right under warrant to search any man's
house to see what quantity of liquor he may have.
Connecticut fixes the rates at which liquor is to
be sold.
1657
Selling liquor to Indians in Massachusetts is pro-
hibited under penalty of 40 shillings, the original
law of 1639 being invoked.
John Barnes of Plymouth Colony is fined 5 pounds
for abusing himself with drunkenness after admoni-
tion.
1658
Plymouth Colony passes a law disfranchising
drunkards.
Maryland prohibits drunkenness under penalty of
confinement in the stocks for 6 hours or a fine of 100
pounds of tobacco (half to the informer) ; for a sec-
ond oflfense the law provides public whipping or a
fine of 300 pounds of tobacco ; for a third ofTense the
offender is adjudged infamous, and disfranchised
three years.
Virginia enacts a law which provides that one
convicted of drunkenness three times is accounted
a common drunkard. Those convicted of drunk-
enness are incapable of being witnesses or holding
office.
The Virginia Assembly requires bonds for the
sale of liquor and taverns are limited to one or two
in a county.
1659
Connecticut prohibits the distillation of corn or
malt into liquor, and fixes a fine of 20 shillings on
Colonial Period 25
any person found di-unk in a private house. A fine
of 10 shillings is also fixed for the owner of the
house.
1660
"The greatest chief of the Mingoes" complains of
D'Hinoyossa, the director of the Dutch Colony of
New York, and states that the outrageous conduct
of the Indians arises from his not restricting the
sale of liquor.
New Plymouth, Massachusetts, laws forbid liquor
sales on Sundays ; also forbid sales to children, serv-
ants or tipplers, who are all forbidden to visit inns.
1661
The Massachusetts General Court decrees that
*'No person shall practice this craft of stilling strong
water nor shall sell or retail any by lesser quantity
than a quarter caske."
The Massachusetts Bay Colony enacts a law to
regulate the sale of liquors.
1662
D'Hinoyossa, director of the Dutch Colony in
America, prohibits the sale of liquors to Indians, un-
der penalty of 300 guilder and authorizes the sav-
ages to rob those who bring them strong drink.
Plymouth Colony enacts a law providing that "All
persons that doe or shall still any strong waters,
shall give account of their disposal of them both of
the quantity and the persons to whom sold."
Thomas Lucas of Plymouth Colony, found guilty
of drunkenness for the third time, is publicly
whipped.
26 Colonial Period
1663
D'Hinoyossa, upon his arrival at Altona, pro-
hibits distilling and brewing even for domestic use.
1664
An ordinance against the manufacture and sale of
malt liquors in New York is published by "His
Royal Highness James, Duke of York and Albany,"
at Hamsted, on Long Island.
The Virginia Assembly enacts a law providing
that "Ministers shall not give themselves to excess
in drinking or riot, spending their time idly by day
or night, in playing at dice, cards, and other unlaw-
ful games."
1665
New York prohibits the sale of liquors to Indians,
fixes a maximum retail price of two pence a quart
for beer and 12 shillings a gallon for any liquor, un-
der penalty of 20 shillings a gallon, so sold.
1667
Prior to this date a law is enacted in Massachu-
setts Colony providing that "beer should be made
with 5 bushels of good barley malt at least to a
hogshead without any mixture of molasses, cane,
sugar, or other materials instead of malt, and that it
should not be sold above 2 pence a quart."
1668
The Indians appeal to the New York authorities
asking that no liquors be sold to the Indians at any
place along the river.
New Jersey passes a law prohibiting persons
drinking after 9 o'clock, and fines drunkenness 1
Colonial Period 27
shilling, 2 shillings, and 2 shillings 6 pence for first,
second and third offenses.
A Virginia law fixes a fine of 2,000 pounds of to-
bacco for unlicensed innkeepers and provides that
only two ordinaries are to be licensed in each
county.
1669
New Plymouth, Massachusetts, laws forbid labor-
ers to be paid in drink and provide that liquor debts
are not collectible by law, and that dealers trusting
customers shall be fined for each offense.
1670
Massachusetts requires selectment to post drunk-
ards' names in public houses and to prohibit sales
to them.
The town of Attleboro, Massachusetts, is set-
tled by John Woodcock, who builds a fortified
tavern on the "Bay Road." On July 5 he is "al-
lowed by this court to keep an ordinary at the Ten
Mile River, and likewise enjoined to keep good or-
der, that no unruliness or ribaldry be permitted
there."
1671
Deputy Governor Lovelace of New York leaves
to the discretion of the military officers the selling
of liquor to Indians.
1673
Rhode Island prohibits the sale of liquor on
Sunday.
Rev. Increase Mather, D.D., of New England,
preaches and publishes "two sermons testifying
against the sin of drunkenness."
28 Colonial Period
1674
Plymouth Colony Church complains that some of
its members "walk disorderly, sitting long in public
houses, with vain companions and drinking."
1675
All who sell drink in Plymouth Colony are for-
bidden to sell to Thomas Lucas, an habitual drunk-
ard.
By a special order of the court of New York,
"strong liquor is not to be sold to the Indians in
quantities of less than two gallons at a time under
penalty of 5 shillings sterling."
1676
The new constitution of Virginia applies in part
the principle of Prohibition to the traffic in strong
drink, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of ar-
dent spirits.
The Virginia Assembly prohibits the sale of wines
and ardent spirits outside of Jamestown.
King Philip's War breaks out, caused largely by
a long series of outrages resulting from the sale of
liquor to Indians and renegade whites at John
Woodcock's tavern (Attleboro, Mass.).
Virginia law provides that justices who get drunk
on court days shall be fined 500 pounds of tobacco
for the first offense, 1,000 pounds for the second,
and forfeiture of position for third. Ministers who
become drunk are fined a half-year's salary for the
first and second oiTenses and stripped of every right
for the third offense.
1677
New Jersey forbids the sale of liquor to Indians
under penalty of $100, doubling the amount for each
Colonial Period 29
subsequent offense. If the violator is unable to pay,
he receives 20 stripes.
Virginia enacts a law providing that only two li-
censes may be granted in each county and that
those must be granted to taverns.
1678
At the funeral of Mrs. Mary Norton, widow of
John Norton, who had been minister of the first
church in Boston, 51^ gallons of the best Malaga
wine are consumed by the mourners.
1679
New Jersey forbids selling liquor to Indians on
penalty of 20 lashes for the first, 30 for the second,
and imprisonment for an indefinite period for the
third offense.
1681
Delaware Indian chiefs request the Governor and
Council of Pennsylvania to permit liquors to be sold
to the Indians until it is prohibited in New Castle
and in the government of Delaware.
The West New Jersey Assembly prohibits the sale
of ardent spirits to red men, and permits criminals
other than murderers to be pardoned by the person
injured.
1683
The manufacture of beer is begun in Pennsyl-
vania under the direction of William Penn.
South Carolina passes a law preventing unli-
censed taverns and punch-houses.
1685
At the funeral of Rev. Thomas Cobbett, minister
30 Colonial Period
of Ipswich, there are consumed by the mourners one
barrel of wine and two barrels of cider.
The Yearly Meeting of Friends in Pennsylvania
and New Jersey declares against the sale of ardent
spirits to the Indians in the following language:
"This meeting doth unanimously agree and give as
their judgment, That it is not consistent with the
honor of truth, for any that make profession thereof,
to sell rum or any strong liquors to the Indians, be-
cause they use them not to moderation but to excess
and drunkenness."
Mr. John Comb of Plymouth Colony is disfran-
chised for drunkenness.
1686
South Carolina prohibits the sale of intoxicating
liquors by anyone who does not have a license from
the Governor.
1687
Rum is imported into New York and yields a
revenue to the government, according to the report
of Governor Dougan to the committee of trade on
the province of New York.
1688
The Treasurer of Massachusetts Colony is author-
ized "to rent, let or farme let the impost of wine,
brandy and rhum, and the rates upon beere, cider,
ale and mum."
1689
Connecticut imposes a fine of five pounds on per-
sons selling liquor without license.
1691
"Rumm" is imported from the West Indies in re-
Colonial Period 31
turn for flour exported to those islands from New
York.
Governor Sloughter of New York is made drunk
by Royalists, who thereby secure his signature to
the death warrants of the patriots, Leister and Mil-
borne.
1692
Massachusetts re-enacts liquor license provisions.
1694
South Carolina passes an act regulating public
houses.
1695
South Carolina enacts the statutes of the com-
mon law of England for the regulation of public
houses.
1697
New York forbids the frequenting of tipling
houses on the Sabbath.
1700
New Hampshire prohibits innkeepers from per-
mitting townspeople to remain in their houses
drinking on Saturday night or Sunday under penalty
of 5 shillings. The same fine also is provided for
the drinker.
As a result of strong drink and pestilence in Caro-
lina the Indians are reduced to a small number. Out
of 1,000 warriors but a dozen weak men remain.
New Plymouth, Massachusetts, orders inspectors
and gangers for distilleries, the sales to fix the fee
paid.
The cultivation of grapes is begun in New York,
Virginia and the Carolinas, as well as in Canada.
32 Colonial Period
The manufacture of New England rum is begun
in Boston, the raw material being drippings from
West India sugar-making, which are shipped to Bos-
ton for rum manufacture.
1701
Pennsylvania forbids the selling of liquor to the
Indians.
New Hampshire imposes a fine of 5 shillings on
drunkards.
1705
Rev. Francis Makenzie, first Presbyterian minis-
ter in America, preaches against intemperance.
1709
Sales of liquor by planters in South CaroHna are
limited to sales not to be drunk on the premises.
1710
New York imposes an excise tax on liquors sold
at retail.
1711
The authorities of Lynn, Mass., provide half a
barrel of cider for the Widow Dispaw's funeral.
1712
New York fixes a fine of five pounds for selling
liquors without license.
1714
New York requires retailers of strong liquors to
pay a special tax which is appropriated for the sup-
port of the colonial government.
The largest and most important distillery on the
continent is set up in Boston by Henry Hill.
1715
Maryland prohibits the carrying of liquor to In-
Colonial Period 33
dian towns under penalty of 5,000 pounds of tobacco
and forbids the selling to an Indian of more than
one gallon of liquor a day under penalty of 3,000
pounds of tobacco.
1719
New Hampshire prohibits the sale of liquor to
drunkards and decrees that their names shall be
posted in public houses.
New York enacts a law providing for a fine of 3
shillings on any "Christians" who are convicted of
drunkenness, cursing or swearing, and a number of
stripes at the discretion of the magistrate on "Ne-
groes and Indians" guilty of those offenses.
1720
New York places a duty on imported wine and
distilled liquors.
1721
Town councils in Rhode Island are given the
power to post prohibitions against selling liquor to
persons named as drunkards.
1726
Rev. Cotton Mather, D.D., of Massachusetts Col-
ony, together with 22 other ministers, publishes "A
serious address to those who unnecessarily frequent
the tavern."
1728
The town of Salem, Mass., provides a gallon of
vnne and a gallon of cider for the funeral of a pauper.
1729
Salem, Mass., provides six gallons of wine for the
funeral of a pauper.
34 Colonial Period
1733
On the second day after his arrival in America.
Governor Oglethorpe of Georgia declares that "the
importation of ardent spirits is illegal."
1734
The Councilors of Georgia prohibit the importa-
tion of rum into the colony.
Rhode Island sends 18 vessels to Africa laden with
rum in trade for a cargo of slaves.
1735
The English Parliament prohibits the importation
of liquors into Georgia.
Rum is manufactured in increasing quantities in
Massachusetts.
1738
New York enacts a law restraining tavern-keepers
from selling strong liquors to servants or appren-
tices, and from "giving large credit to others."
1740
Delaware requires all keepers of inns or ale-
houses to obtain licenses of the Governor.
1741
The Indians of Pennsylvania complain to the
Governor of the colony about rum being brought
among them by traders.
1742
The General Court of Massachusetts forbids the
use of wine and rum at funerals.
The prohibition of the importation of liquors into
Georgia is rescinded by act of Parliament.
I
Colonial Period 35
1743
The General Rules of the Methodist Church are
formulated by John and Charles Wesley, among
which rules is the prohibition against "drunkenness,
buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking
them, except in cases of extreme necessity."
The prohibitory laws of Georgia are first evaded
and later defied, improvident English settlers con-
tending the rum is necessary to resist the climate.
1744
The grand jury in Philadelphia, of which Benja-
min Franklin is a member, reports as follows : "The
grand jury do therefore still think it their duty to
complain of the enormous increase of publick houses
in Philadelphia, especially since it now appears by
the constables' returns that there are upwards oi
one hundred that have licenses which, with the re-
tailers, make the houses that sell strong drink by
our computation near a tenth part of the city, a pro-
portion that appears to us much too great."
1746
There are three rum distilleries in New York.
1748
More than 15,000 hogsheads of rum are manufac-
tured in Massachusetts annually, and a large portion
is used in trade with the Indians and with the
French.
1751
Massachusetts prohibits the selling of liquors to
any "Negro, Indian or mulatto slave." This law is
afterwards repealed.
36 Colonial Period
1753
Rev. Andrew Eliot of Massachusetts preaches
against the growing liquor evil.
1754
Whisky drinking is reported to be practically
universal in Huntington County, Pennsylvania.
1756
On September 26 the Colony of Pennsylvania en-
acted an excise law levying a tax on retailers of
foreign spirits.
1757
Georgia enacts a law providing that "no liquor li-
cense shall be granted to any joiner, bricklayer, plas-
terer, shipwright, silversmith, goldsmith, shoe-
maker, smith, tailor, tanner, cabinet maker or cooper,
who should be capable of getting a livelihood by
honest labor and industry."
1759
Sir Geoffrey Amherst, as commander of the Eng-
lish in the French and Indian War, directs that
"every soldier who shall be found guilty of intem-
perance shall receive twenty lashes per diem until
he discloses the name of the person from whom he
procured the liquor."
1760
The History of New Sweden, by Acrelius, just
published, enumerates 48 drinks in use in North
America.
Virginia and Carolina pass laws compelling min-
isters to abstain from excess of drinking and riot.
The Friends of Pennsylvania make an effort to
abolish the use of liquor at funerals.
Colonial Period 37
John Wesley strongly and urgently sets forth the
evils of intemperance and the sin of distilling liquors.
The diary of John Adams, February 29, 1760, says :
"At the present day, licensed houses are becoming
the eternal haunt of loose, disorderly people of the
same town, which renders them offensive."
1761
The first invoice of goods taken on a hand-sled
to the new town of Francestown, New Hampshire,
includes a five-gallon keg of rum.
Massachusetts allows justices to grant a license
to a representative of a deceased licensee.
1762
The Friends of Pennsylvania abolish the use of
ardent spirits so far as their societies are concerned.
Ministers in Virginia decline to officiate at funer-
als where ardent spirits are introduced.
1763
The rum traffic among the Indians is introduced
by the English into Ohio, the French having pre-
viously prohibited it.
1765
The Stamp Act of March 27 contains provisions
requiring stamps on liquor licenses.
1766
Methodism begins its career in the United States.
The movement is committed to the provisions of the
English discipline which declares against using, buy-
ing and selling distilled liquors.
1767
Rhode Island places the liquor license fee at five
pounds,
38 Colonial Period
1772
The Act of 1756 is amended by the Colony of
Pennsylvania, on March 2, extending the excise to
rum, brandy and domestic spirits.
1773
John Wesley declares for prohibition of distilling.
1774
Anthony Benezet, a member of the Friends Society
in Pennsylvania, issues a pamphlet entitled "The
Mighty Destroyer Displayed in Some Account of the
Dreadful Havoc Made by the Mistaken Use, as Well
as the Abuse, of Distilled Spirituous Liquors," in
which the author advises against the common use
of any drink "which is liable to steal away a man's
senses and render him foolish, irascible, uncontrol-
lable and dangerous."
The New England Yearly Meeting of Friends dis-
owns a member for drunkenness.
CHAPTER II
Agitation and First Efforts Against the Use of
Distilled Liquors — 1775-1810
THE FIRST serious and effective efforts
against the use of distilled liquors as bev-
erages began with the movement for Ameri-
can independence. Prior to that time the
principal agitation along temperance lines was against
drunkenness. The harmful effects of the use of
intoxicants in moderation had not been generally
accepted.
The necessity of facing the problem presented by
the use of intoxicants among American soldiers at the
outbreak of the Revolution, when all the man-power
of the Colonies was needed at its best, compelled not
only the Colonial Legislatures but the Continental
Congress to give serious consideration to the scientific
phases of the alcohol problem.
Medical science blazed the trail for the temperance
reformers in this new field. The early Methodists and
several other church denominations had already recog-
nized the habitual use of distilled liquors as an evil,
but the attitude of those bodies was indicated, as a
rule, by declarations of a very general character and
their activities were confined for the most part to reso-
lutions affecting the individual members of the several
communions.
Anthony Benezet, who belonged to the Society of
Friends in Pennsylvania, had published a pamphlet in
40 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
1774 which advised against the use of intoxicants. But
the publication of this pamphlet did not result in any
direct and immediate effort to press for remedial
measures along temperance lines, although the reading
of the pamphlet must have had its effect upon men
who afterwards became instrumental in presenting
the same truth in a way that received more serious
attention.
Doctor Benjamin Rush, a noted physician of his
day, who was also a very public-spirited man and one
of the principal figures in the drafting and signing of
the Declaration of Independence, is generally recog-
nized as the pioneer in the movement against the use
of distilled liquors. When the war was at its height
in 1777, Doctor Rush prepared a strong document
against the use of ardent spirits, which document was
approved and adopted by the War Board of the Con-
tinental Congress and was printed and circulated
among all the troops in the United States Army, The
object of this document was to urge all the soldiers
to abstain from the use of distilled liquors while in the
service of their country. This was the first appeal
against the use of distilled liquors which was recog-
nized in any official way by the government.
Doctor Rush frequently has been referred to by
historians as the pioneer advocate of total abstinence
from the use of alcoholic liquors. As a matter of fact,
however, his activities and writings were limited to
the fight against distilled Hquors. This was quite in
harmony with the general attitude toward the ques-
tion in that early day, since even those who were
the strongest advocates of temperance seemingly had
no thought of placing under the ban such intoxicants
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 41
as beer and light wine. It is not unlikely that this atti-
tude upon the part even of religious forces and tem-
perance reformers may have been due in part to the
fact that the consumption of beer and wine during that
period was very small. Distilled liquors, which con-
stituted the principal intoxicant, were consumed at the
rate of about two and one-half gallons per capita
annually. From these and other facts it is evident that
the liquor problem had not assumed anything like the
comparative proportions it did in later years when the
liquor interests and more especially the beer interests
began active propaganda to promote the use of beer
as a beverage and thus strongly appealed both to appe-
tite and greed.
In this connection it is significant to note that the
struggle for prohibition in the United States has been
largely a struggfle against the consumption of fer-
mented liquors. During the nineteenth century the per
capita consumption of distilled liquors as well as the
per capita consumption of wine gradually decreased
until at the close of the century the per capita annual
consumption of distilled liquors was slightly more than
one gallon, the annual per capita consumption of wines
was slightly less than one-half gallon, while the annual
per capita consumption of malt liquors was more than
16 gallons. It is safe to say that had it not been for
the remarkable increase in the consumption of beer in
the United States the temperance reform would not
have reached the stage which it did reach.
The suggestion that beer and wine are less harm-
ful because they contain a smaller percentage of alco-
hol, is not confined to the pro-liquor arguments of the
twentieth century. This same suggestion was respon-
42 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
sible to a very great degree for the substitution of beer
for so-called ardent spirits in the early days of the
American Republic. The one vital factor which has
not been and is not taken into account by those to
whom such a suggestion appeals, is that the consump-
tion of beer, wine and whisky, is primarily due to the
demand for the alcohol contained in such liquors, and
that the size of the drink has invariably been regulated
according to the kind of intoxicating liquors con-
sumed, so that the average drink of whisky, wine or
beer, would contain about the same amount of alcohol.
Before the appearance of Doctor Rush's document
which was circulated by the War Department, the
Federal Government had already taken measures to
restrict the sale and use of distilled spirits in the army.
General George Washington on March 25, 1776, issued
orders at Cambridge, Mass., enjoining upon all officers
of the Continental Army the obligation to prevent, so
far as possible, the frequenting of tippling houses by
American soldiers. Prior to these orders, Maryland
had already fixed the ration for Maryland troops in
the Continental Army at one-half pint of rum per man
daily. When the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly,
however, fixed the ration for Pennsylvania troops on
Anril 4 of that same year the ration included one quart
of small beer per man per day. Other colonies fol-
lowed the example set by Pennsylvania in fixing the
ration in beer instead of distilled liquors. The Conti-
nental Congress on September 20 prohibited the sale
of all kinds of liquors to soldiers by sutlers, thus
limiting the alcoholic drinks of the members of the
American Army to the ration as prescribed by the
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 43
several Colonial Legislatures and the Continental
Congress.
The crusade against the use of distilled liquors
especially in the army had its effect. The Conti-
nental Congress in session at Philadelphia by strong
resolutions appealed to the several Colonial Legis-
latures immediately to pass effective laws to stop the
practice of distilling. The colony of Pennsylvania
took steps against the distilling of grain in 1779. This
action, together with the action taken in other colonies
as well as the expressed attitude of the Continental
Congress, compelled the attention of the moral and
religious forces throughout the colonies. While John
Wesley had already in 1773 declared against the prac-
tice of distilling, the Methodist Church in America
officially condemned the practice in 1780. The
Brethren took the same action in 1783, while the New
England Society of Friends made a similar declaration
in 1784.
Doctor Rush in 1785 pubHshed his famous pamphlet
entitled "An Enquiry Into the Effects of Ardent
Spirits Upon the Human Body and Mind." This
pamphlet proved to be the greatest and most effective
arraignment of distilled liquors that had ever been
presented and its effect upon the public mind was soon
evident.
While Doctor Rush was the first to speak out against
distilled liquors from the viewpoint of medical science,
physicians and surgeons in many parts of the country
promptly followed his lead in calling attention to the
evil results of the use of distilled liquors. The College
of Physicians of New York in 1790 presented to the
United States Senate a memorial deprecating the use
44 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
of ardent spirits and recommending high duties upon
their importation as a measure to help discourage their
use. Similar action was taken by the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons of the city of Philadelphia as a
result of which the question engaged Congress and
the agitation for restrictive legislation became more
and more persistent.
Just at the time when medical associations and
public-spirited men generally began to see the need of
restrictive legislation in connection with the produc-
tion, importation and sale of distilled liquors, Alex-
ander Hamilton was trying to find some way to estab-
lish the financial credit of the new Federal Government
and to secure necessary revenues for current expenses.
Mr. Hamilton promptly hit upon the plan of raising
revenue from taxes and imposts upon distilled liquors.
As early as 1787 Hamilton urged Congress to place
a tax upon distilled liquors. In 1789 his suggestion
was repeated with emphasis through the columns of
the Federalist. The following year he presented to
the House of Representatives an elaborate argument
in favor of taxing ardent spirits in order to provide
revenue for the government. Mr. Hamilton's efforts
were finally successful, the Revenue Act being adopted
by Congress in 1791, which act Mr. Hamilton himself
estimated would bring to the Federal Government an
annual income of $826,000.
The Second Congress of the United States, in 1792,
amended the original act which changed the amount
of duty on distilled liquors and provided for license
fees on distilleries as well as placing a special tax on
liquors distilled from foreign materials. This action
by the Federal Government was the immediate cause
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 45
of the breaking out in western Pennsylvania of what is
known as the Whisky RebeUion, the putting down of
which compelled the United States Government to
expend something like $1,500,000 in war preparations.
It is a significant fact in this connection that the
Whisky Rebellion in western Pennsylvania was en-
couraged by the action of the Legislature of the state
of Pennsylvania, which called into question the right
of the Federal Government to place such taxes as had
been placed on the production of distilled liquors. This
was the first outbreak, after the formation of the
Federal Government, on the question as to where the
rights of the state governments on the question of
taxation ended and those of the Federal Government
began.
Thus the Whisky Rebellion not only presented the
problems of states' rights in general, but it presented
in particular the question which involved the possibility
of solving the liquor problem under the American form
of government. From that time on it was evident that
the liquor problem in the United States could never be
permanently solved except by national action and that
before the problem could be put in the way of perma-
nent solution the states' rights doctrine, which had
already asserted itself both in the North and in the
South, would have to be settled, as it was settled
seventy-five years later.
Following the suppression by the Federal Govern-
ment of the Whisky Rebellion in Western Pennsyl-
vania, practically every Congress for the next eight
years amended the Federal revenue act, increasing or
decreasing the various tax provisions until the election
46 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
and inauguration of Thomas Jefferson as President
of the United States. President Jefferson in his first
message to Congress advocated the repeal of the
internal revenue law. Congress acted upon i^resident
Jefferson's suggestion, and as a result the whole
internal revenue system established by Mr. Hamilton
was wiped out.
This period was also marked by the action of the
Federal Government in taking strong measures to
suppress the sale of intoxicating liquors to the Indians
and in Indian countries. President Jefferson in 1802
urged Congress to prohibit the sale of liquor among
the Indians. Congress replied by authorizing the Presi-
dent of the United States to take such measures to
prevent the sale or distribution of spirituous liquors
among the Indians as might seem necessary. The
President acted under the authority given by Congress
and during the following years the Federal adminis-
tration made every possible effort to establish the pro-
hibition of liquor selling among Indians.
In 1805 William Henry Harrison, Governor of the
Northwest Territory, representing the Federal Gov-
ernment, called upon the territorial Legislature to pass
a law prohibiting the sale of liquor to Indians. The
following year the territorial. Legislature acted upon
the Governor's suggestion in a degree by prohibiting
the sale of intoxicants to Indians within forty miles
of Vincenncs.
The following chronology covers the principal items
of interest in connection with the temperance reform
during the period.
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 47
Chronology Of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1775-1810
1775
The Colonial Congress of New Hampshire in
August passes a preamble and resolution deploring
the great prevalence of intemperance and recom-
mending that the treats given to soldiers on muster
day be diminished.
On November 4 the Continental Congress fixed
the army ration at "one quart of spruce beer or
cyder" per day, and on November 28 fixed the ration
for the navy at a half-pint of rum per man, with dis-
cretionary allowances when on extra duty or in time
of engagement.
1776
Dr. Benjamin Rush, who later wrote the notable
pamphlet entitled "The Effects of Ardent Spirits
on the Human Mind and Body," is chairman of the
Committee on Independence in the Continental Con-
gress.
A general movement against intemperance is
waged in practically all the colonies.
The regulations for the government of the army,
adopted by Congress September 20, provide that
"No sutler shall be permitted to sell any kind of
liquors or victuals or keep their houses or shops
open, for the entertainment of soldiers, after nine at
night, or before the beating of the reveilles, or upon
wSundays, during divine services, or sermon."
General George Washington issues orders at Cam-
bridge, Mass., (March 25) enjoining upon all officers
of the Continental Army to prevent, as much as pos-
48 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
sible, the soldiers from frequenting tippling houses.
The Continental hospital regulations, promulgated
in July, provide a corporal's guard "to prevent per-
sons from going in, without orders, to disturb the
sick, or carry liquor to them."
The Pennsylvania Assembly on April 4 fixes the
ration for Pennsylvania troops at one quart of small
beer per man per day.
On February 1 the Maryland Council of Safety
fixes the ration for Maryland troops at one-half pint
of rum per man per day and discretionary allowances
for particular occasions.
1777
Dr. Benjamin Rush prepares a paper against the
use of ardent spirits which is adopted by the Board
of War and printed and circulated among all the
troops in the United States Army. This paper
urges all to abstain from the use of liquors while in
the service of their country.
Congress in session at Philadelphia passes the fol
lowing resolution: "Resolved, that it be recom-
mended to the several Legislatures in the United
States immediately to pass laws the most effective
for putting an immediate stop to the pernicious prac
tice of distilling grain, by which the most extensive
evils are likely to be derived if not quickly pre-
vented."
General Stephen, one of Washington's division
commanders, is dismissed because of intemperance.
1778
The annual meeting of the "Brethren" or "Dunk-
ards" passes a resolution requiring brethren of the
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 49
brotherhood to put away distilleries from among
them.
Richard Allen and Absalom Jones organize the
"Free African Society," which is a temperance or-
ganization, excluding men of drinking habits from
its membership.
1779
Pennsylvania lays an embargo on the exportation
of wheat and flour, and prohibits the distillation of
all kinds of grain or meal as a conservation measure.
Rye and barley are later excepted.
The Colony of Pennsylvania still further amends
its excise provisions. The act proves unsatisfac-
tory and is soon repealed.
Vermont prohibits drunkenness under a penalty
of a $2 fine if noticeable in speech, gesture or be-
havior.
1780
The General Conference of the Methodist Church
condemns the practice of distilling liquors and pro-
poses to disown "all persons who engage in dis-
tilling."
1783
The annual meeting of the "Brethren" or "Dunk-
ards" resolves that those who refuse to comply with
the third admonition to put away distilleries from
among them shall be shut out from church commun-
ion and from the kiss.
Congress recommends to the states that it is
necessary for the restoration of public credit to vest
Congress with power to levy certain specified duties
on spirits, wines, teas, pepper and other commodi-
ties.
50 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
The Indians of western Pennsylvania, in council
at Pittsburgh, March 15, resolve to take matters into
their own hands and "spill all rum among them foi
the term of five years."
1784
The Society of Friends at the New England
Yearly Meeting in the Discipline of the church rec-
ommends against the distilling, importing, trading
in or handing out to others of spirituous liquors.
At an ordination of a minister in Hartford, Conn.,
on May 24, the account of the South Society shows
that there was used for the occasion "15 boles of
punch, 11 bottles of wine, 5 mugs of flip and 6
boles of toddy."
The Methodist Church declares for the prohibi-
tion of "drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous
iquors or drinking them unless in cases of extreme
necessity."
1785
Dr. Benjamin Rush publishes his "Enquiry into
the Effects of Ardent Spirits Upon the Human
Body and Mind."
Rev. Phillip William Otterbein organizes his
Church, excluding from partaking of the com-
munion all those who indulge in strong drink.
1787
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
endorses the Law and Order League for the enforce-
ment of the law against criminals.
Major John F. Hamtramck, commandant of Post
Vincennes, Northwest Territory, issues a proclama-
tion dated October 3, forbidding the sale of liquor
to Indians.
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 51
Alexander Hamilton in a letter to the New York
Packet declares that ardent spirits, under Federal
regulation, might be made to furnish a considerable
revenue. He shows that the quantity imported into
the United States, at a shilling a gallon, would pro-
duce two hundred thousand pounds.
1788
The Yearly Meeting of Friends of New England
binds all of the members of the church against the
use of ardent spirits.
Dr. Benjamin Rush, a warm personal friend of
Bishops Asbury, Whatcoat and McKendree and Dr.
Coke, appears before the General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church to beseech the confer-
ence to use its influence to stop the "use as well as
the abuse of ardent spirits."
1789
The second act placed upon the statute books of
the United States under the Constitution is a bill
providing for the following duties upon imported
liquors and malt:
Ale, porter and beer — in bottles, per dozen, 20
cents; otherwise, per gallon, 5 cents.
Spirits — Jamaica proof, per gallon, 10 cents:
all other, per gallon, 8 cents.
Wines — Madeira, per gallon, 18 cents ; all others
(bottles or cases), 10 cents ; all others (otherwise),
per gallon, 10 cents.
Malt — per bushel, 10 cents.
The pamphlet "The Federalist," a series of essays
dealing with the formation of the Constitution of
the United States, by Alexander Hamilton and
52 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
others, argues for heavy duties for Federal pur-
poses, particularly a duty on ardent spirits.
On April 8 James Madison offers a resolution in
the United States House of Representatives declar-
ing for a duty on rum, other spirituous liquors,
wines, molasses, tea, pepper, sugar, cocoa and coffee.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church votes to do all in its power to make "men
sober."
The Federal Herald, of Lansingburg, N. Y., on
July 13 says : "Upwards of two hundred of the most
respectable farmers of the county of Litchfield,
Conn., have formed an association to discourage the
use of spirituous liquors, and have determined not
to use any kind of distilled liquors during their
farming work the ensuing season."
John Wesley's rule against the use, sale and buy-
ing of distilled liquors is amended by striking out
the words "unless in cases of extreme necessity,"
thus greatly strengthening the Methodist attitude
against the liquor evil.
John Wesley urges total abstinence on the ground
of Christian expediency.
1790
A memorial from the College of Physicians of
New York is presented to the United States Senate,
deprecating the use of ardent spirits and recom-
mending the imposition of high duties upon their im-
portation.
It is estimated that the consumption of distilled
spirits and wine in the United States is 2^ gallons
per capita.
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 53
The rule of John Wesley against the use and sale
of distilled liquors is modified by the addition of
the words "unless in cases of necessity" and the
elimination of the words "buying and selling."
A volume of temperance sermons makes its ap-
pearance in Philadelphia; it is supposed to have
been prepared by Dr. Benjamin Rush.
The second session of the First Congress of the
United States increases the duty on the importa-
tion of distilled and fermented liquors.
Dr. Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia urges a special
hospital for inebriates.
On December 29 Robert Morris introduces into
the Senate of the United States a memorial from the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Philadelphia
praying that "such heavy duties may be imposed
upon all distilled spirits as shall be more effectual
to restrain their intemperate use." On the follow-
ing day the same memorial is introduced in the
House of Representatives by George Clymer.
On March 5 Alexander Hamilton sends to the
United States House of Representatives an elabo-
rate argument in favor of an excise tax on ardent
spirits.
The United States House of Representatives on
April 27 passes a resolution providing for an inter-
nal tax on distilled spirits. A committee is ap-
pointed to draft the bill, which is defeated on June
14 by a. vote of 26 to 13.
The Act of Congress approved April 30 provides
an army ration of half a gill of rum, brandy or
whisky, or the value thereof for each man.
54 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
The action of Major Hamtramck of Post Vin-
cennes, forbidding the sale of liquor to Indians, is
confirmed by Acting Governor Sargent and the
Judges of the Northwest Territory, acting in a leg-
islative capacity.
1791
The Pennsylvania Legislature, on June 22, passes
resolutions strongly protesting against any action on
the part of the United States "tending to the collec-
tion of revenue by means of excise" as being estab-
lished on principles subversive of peace, liberty and
the rights of the citizens.
Alexander Hamilton expects a revenue of $826,000
annually from the general excise law passed by
Congress.
On March 3, the last day of the closing session of
the First Congress of the United States, an elabo-
rate measure is passed increasing the duty on all
imported distilled liquors and placing a tax on such
liquors manufactured in the United States, the duty
being from 9 cents to 30 cents per gallon.
The county courts of South Carolina are given
the power to grant liquor licenses.
1792
There are 2,579 distilleries in the United States;
the per capita consumption of liquor is 2J/2 gallons.
The Second Congress of the United States passes
a measure changing the amounts of duty on im-
ported distilled liquors and providing for licensing
distilleries.
In the United States liquors distilled for con-
sumption in this country amount to 5,171,564 gal-
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 55
Ions; spirits imported amount to 4,567,160 gallons:
wines imported amount to 1,267,723 gallons.
1793
The Whisky Rebellion breaks out in western
Pennsylvania, occasioned by the action of the Fed-
eral Congress in placing an excise tax of 11 cents
a gallon on spirits distilled from foreign materials.
William Graham, an ex-saloonkeeper from Phila-
delphia, is appointed as collector by the Treasury
Department to collect the excise from the counties
in Pennsylvania where the "Whisky Rebellion" is
at its height. Many outrages are committed against
collectors ; seventy suits are instituted against dis-
tillers and are promptly set aside by the courts. The
President of the United States calls on the Gover-
nors of the states of New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia
and Pennsylvania for 15,000 men, and when the
troops appear on the scene the insurgents finally
agree to pay the excise taxes.
The United States Government expends about
$1,500,000 in war preparations on account of the
"Whisky Rebellion."
1794
Dr. Benjamin Rush issues a book entitled "Medi-
cal Enquiries into the Effect of Ardent Spirits on the
Body and Mind," which creates a stir among medi-
cal men.
The President of the United States is authorized
by Congress to increase the quantity of liquor to a
gill for troops on the frontiers.
The Philadelphia meeting of Friends rules that
those who import, make, sell or grind grain for
56 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
liquors "should not be employed in any service in
the church nor their contributions received," and
that if not "reclaimed they must be disowned."
Congress orders that a half-pint of spirits or a
quart of beer shall constitute a part of the rations of
the navy.
The Act of June 5, passed by the Third Congress
of the United States, contains the following pro-
viso: "That no license shall be granted to any per-
son to sell wines or foreign distilled spirituous liq-
uors who is prohibited to sell the same by the laws
of any state."
This act also provides for a license tax on retailers
of "wines and foreign distilled spirituous liquors by
retail." A license fee of $5 is required for each class
of licenses. jygg
President Washington on July 10 issues a procla-
mation of general amnesty to all persons implicated
in the "Whisky Rebellion."
A uniform ration of half a gill of liquor daily is
ordered by Congress for each soldier in the army.
One James Chalmers, a citizen of Nassau, N. J.,
who had become such a victim to strong drink that
he could not control himself, issues the following
document to the saloonkeepers : "Whereas, the sub-
scriber, through the pernicious habit of drinking,
has greatly hurt himself in purse and person, and
rendered himself odious to all his acquaintances and
finds that there is no possibility of breaking oflF from
the said practice but through the impossibility to
find liquor, he therefore begs and prays that no per-
son will sell him for money, or on trust, any sort of
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 57
spirituous liquors, as he will not in future pay for it,
but will prosecute any one for action of damage
against the temporal and eternal interests of the
public's humble, serious and sober servant." (Signed
and witnessed.)
1796
The following statement is prepared at the sug-
gestion of the General Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and received the sanction of the
General Conference of 1800: "Far be it from us to
wish or to endeavor to intrude upon the proper reli-
gious or civil liberty of any of our people, but the
retailing of spirituous liquors, and giving drams to
customers when they call at the stores, are such
prevalent customs at present and are productive of
so many evils, that we judge it our indispensable
duty to form a regulation against them. The cause
of God, which we prefer to every other consideration
under Heaven, absolutely requires us to step forth
with humble boldness in this respect."
The Act of May 30 leaves the spirit ration for the
army unchanged, except that it takes away from the
soldier the right to commute the ration for the value
thereof.
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
declares that strong drink is "a monster of frightful
mien" and requires the ministry to discountenance
its use themselves and to insist upon principles of
total abstinence on the part of their congregations.
1797
The chief of the Miami Indians, Mechecunnaqua,
or Little Turtle, begins an agitation for relief from
the whisky peddlers. He visits Philadelphia and
58 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
petitions President John Adams for the abolition of
the liquor traffic among the Indians.
The Fourth Congress of the United States en-
acts a law repealing certain duties on distilled liq-
uors, imposing certain duties on the capacity of
stills of a particular description, and providing cer-
tain penalties for distilling without a license.
Seventh-Day Baptists enforce Prohibition as af-
fecting their places of yearly meeting.
The Quarterly Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church of Virginia passes a resolution pledg-
ing the honor as well as the words of the members
as Christians, not only to abandon the use of ardent
spirits themselves, except as a medicine, but also
to use their influence to induce others to do the
same.
The Presbyterian Synod of Pennsylvania enjoins
its ministers to preach against the evils of intem-
perance and its causes.
The New Jersey Legislature passes a prohibitory
vendue law.
1798
Vermont places a license fee upon liquor retailers
of from one to thirty dollars, according to the
profits.
The Presbyterian Synod of Pennsylvania adopts
a temperance platform pledging its ministers to ab-
stain from the use of intoxicating liquors, and en-
joining upon them the duty of preaching against its
use by the people. The last of August is appointed
a "day of humiliation, fasting and prayer" on ac-
count of intemperance.
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 59
The Fifth Congress of the United States passes an
amendatory act laying duties upon stills and upon
liquors distilled in the United States.
Town Councils in Rhode Island are given privi-
lege of granting licenses to sell liquor at their dis-
cretion, the license fee being fixed at $20.
1799
The Army Organization Act of March 3 elimi-
nates the spirit ration, except as to those soMiers
who are allowed such a ration by the terms of their
enlistment; and at the same time authorizes the is-
suance of a ration not exceeding one-half gill of
spirit per day, and more in case of fatigue, service,
or on "other extraordinary occasions."
The power to grant liquor licenses in South Caro-
lina is transferred from the county courts to the
Commissioners of Roads.
1800
Handsome Lake, the Seneca prophet, inaugurates
a total abstinence movement among the Iroquois.
He organizes temperance societies, in which lec-
tures are given by the head men of the nation.
The art of distilling intoxicants is introduced into
Hawaii by convicts from Botany Bay. King Kame-
hameha I. later orders all the stills destroyed and
forbids the manufacture of rum,
Micajah Pendleton of Nelson County, Virginia,
signs and circulates a total abstinence pledge, thus
starting the first pledge signing movement in
America.
The Sixth United States Congress increases tlie
duties on wines.
60 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
The Universalist Church resolves to hold no fur-
ther sessions of the council of its convention in any
hall connected with a tavern or public house, and to
assemble in the private dwelling of some person.
1801
The Seventh United States Congress repeals cer-
tain duties on liquors and modifies the regulations
governing distilled liquors.
Congress withdraws the option of a quart of beer
in the navy ration instead of a half-pint of spirits.
Little Turtle, chief of the Miami Indians, travels
from Indiana to Baltimore to attend the Baltimore
Yearly Meeting of Friends, which body had previ-
ously proposed to establish schools among the In-
dians. The committee having this matter in charge
reports that the selling of liquor to Indians creates
such a deplorable condition that it is doubtful if
good could be accomplished. Little Turtle makes
an earnest appeal to the whites to stop the selling
of liquor.
The Baltimore Yearly Meeting of Friends sends
an address to Congress embodying the speech of
Little Turtle.
Chief Little Turtle visits President Jefferson at
Washington and begs him to aid in the movement
to prevent the sale of liquor to aborigines.
President Jefferson writes letters to the Ohio
Legislature asking it to enact legislation prohibit-
ing the selling of intoxicants to Indians.
William Henry Harrison, Governor of the North-
west Territory, in a report to the Secretary of Wa»,
deals with the outrages and atrocities committed in
the Indian country on account of liquor selling.
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 61
Thomas Jefferson, in his first message to Congress
as President of the United States, suggests that they
may henceforth dispense with all internal taxes, ex-
cises, licenses, etc. Congress later acts upon this
recommendation and does away with the internal
revenue system established by Hamilton,
South Carolina provides for the using of revenue
derived from liquor licenses in the repairing of
public roads.
1802
President Jefferson, in a message to Congress
(Jan. 27) relating to Indian affairs, urges that body
to prohibit liquor selling among Indians.
Congress, in the Act of March 30, authorizes the
President of the United States to take measures to
restrain or prevent the selling or distributing of
spirituous liquors among the Indian tribes.
Congress restores the spirit ration for the army
and doubles the amount, making it one gill per man.
1804
Congress provides that an equivalent of malt liq-
uors or wine may be substituted for spirits in the
army at certain seasons of the year.
A Total Abstinence Society is organized in Vir-
ginia by Micajah Pendleton and a large number of
people in the Shenandoah Valley sign the pledge of
this society and become abstainers. ,
The "Brethren" or "Dunkards" unanimously de-
cide, in annual meeting, that no member of the
church shall be permitted to sell ardent spirits or
wine.
A drunken row in St. Louis and other outrages
62 Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors
committed by drunken Indians are instrumental in
causing the Black Hawk War.
1805
A remarkable total abstinence campaign is car-
ried on among the Indians by the Shawnee chief
"The Prophet." In a meeting of Shawnees, Wyan-
dots and Senecas at Wapakoneta, Ohio, he an-
nounces to the Indians that he has received a rev-
elation warning him to denounce certain evil prac-
tices among the Indians, and especially firewater.
His influence on the Indians is so strong that in-
toxication became practically unknown among the
western tribes for a number of years.
William Henry Harrison, Governor of the North-
west Territory, in his message to the first Legisla-
ture, July 29, strongly recommends the Prohibition
of liquor selling to Indians.
An association to promote temperance in Phila-
delphia is organized by persons engaged in the
manufacture of paper, most of the members being
journeymen paper-makers.
Rev. Ebenezer Porter, pastor First Congregational
Church, Washington, Conn., preaches a strong tem-
perance sermon from text Isa., 5:11, declaring that
the American republic has more male and female
drunkards in proportion to population than any
other country.
The Sober Society is founded at Allentown, N. J.
1806
An act of the Legislature of the Northwest Terri-
tory approved December 6 forbids the sale of in-
toxicants to Indians within 40 miles of Vincennes.
Early Efforts Against Distilled Liquors 63
1808
Dr. Lyman Beecher preaches a strong temperance
sermon at East Hampton, Long Island.
Dr. B. J. Clark (Billy Clark) founds the Union
Temperance Society of Moreau and Northumberland
at Saratoga, N. Y. The constitution of this society
declares : "No member shall drink rum, gin, whisky,
wine or any distilled spirits, or compositions of the
same or any of them, except by advice of a physi-
cian or in case of actual diseases, also excepting at
public dinners, under the penalty of 25 cents; pro-
vided that this article shall not infringe on any reli-
gious rite ; no member shall be intoxicated under
penalty of 50 cents; no member shall oflFer any of
the above liquors to any person to drink thereof un-
der the penalty of 25 cents for each offense."
1809
A Total Abstinence Society is organized in Green-
field, Saratoga County, N. Y.
CHAPTER III.
The Awakening of the Church — 1810-1826
PRIOR to the year 1810 the temperance activi-
ties of the Christian Church were largely
limited to the attitude of outstanding min-
isters who preached against the traffic, and
resolutions of church bodies, couched in general terms
of advice and restriction intended to affect the con-
duct of individual members.
Rev. Increase Mather of New England was one of
the first of the early temperance prophets. In 1673
he preached and published two sermons against the
sin of drunkenness. Rev. Francis MacKinzie, fre-
quently referred to as the first Presbyterian minister
in the United States, preached against intemperance
as early as 1705. Rev. Cotton Mather with the co-
operation and endorsement of twenty-two other min-
isters, published a "Serious Address to Those Who
Unnecessarily Frequent the Tavern" in the year 1726,
just one hundred years before Dr. Lyman Beecher
preached his famous series of six sermons against
intemperance.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, made his
first pronouncement against the liquor traffic and the
liquor habit in 1743, but since Methodist activities did
not begin in the United States until 1766, the Wesley
declaration and the attitude of the Wesley movement
in behalf of temperance was not brought to bear on
Ixv
66 Awakening of the Church
the liquor problem in America until that time. The
provision of the English Methodist discipline against
the sale and use of distilled liquors, was strongly
approved by the Methodists when Methodism began
its career on the American continent in 1766 and John
Wesley's declaration against distilling, issued in 1773,
became the temperance battle cry of the Methodists in
America during the last quarter of the eighteenth
century. Thirteen years later, in 1789, John Wesley
sent forth a ringing declaration for total abstinence
from all intoxicants, which declaration was the foun-
dation for total abstinence activities among Methodists.
Rev. Andrew Elliott of Massachusetts in 1753
sounded the alarm against the growing evil of intem-
perance, and the Rev. Phillip William Otterbein in
1785, when he organized his first church in America,
took perhaps the strongest stand that had been taken
officially by any minister up to that time by excluding
from partaking of the communion all those who in-
dulged in strong drink. The Rev. Heman Humphrey,
who afterwards became president of Amherst Col-
lege and served in that capacity for twenty-two years,
was one of the early advocates of temperance. In
1810, while a pastor of the Congregational Church at
Fairfield, Conn., he preached a series of six temper-
ance sermons which are recorded to have had a pro-
found effect on that section of New England.
While these and many other ministers of the dif-
ferent church denominations repeatedly preached
against the liquor traffic and strongly urged upon the
church the necessity of combatting the evil of intem-
perance, the great pioneer of the church's activity in
temperance reform in America was the Rev. Lyman
Awakening of the Church 67
Beecher, D.D., who as pastor of the Congregational
Church in East Hampton, N. Y., in 1808 spoke out
boldly in the interest of temperance, and who, after
moving to Litchfield, Conn., in 1810, began activities in
behalf of the temperance cause which resulted in
stirring the Congregational Church of New England to
aggressive action, out of which developed various local
organizations in New England, the Massachusetts
Society for the Suppression of Intemperance, and the
first organized movement of a general or national char-
acter in the interest of temperance reform.
The declarations of various church bodies prior to
the year 1810 indicate a constantly growing interest
in individual temperance and an increasing tendency
upon the part of the several church denominations to
urge upon their members the importance of divorcing
themselves from any connection with the traffic in
distilled liquors. The Society of Friends in Pennsyl-
vania at the Yearly Meeting held in 1685 declared
against the sale of liquors to Indians on the ground
that the Indians were wont to use such liquors "not
in moderation but to excess." Seventy-seven years
later, in 1762, this same society declared against the
use of ardent spirits among the members of that
society. The general rules of the Methodist Episcopal
Church formulated in England in 1743 and adopted
by the Methodists in America, who became active
on this continent in 1766, contained a prohibition
against "drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous
liquors or drinking them except in cases of extreme
necessity," The Brethren or "Dunkards" at the annual
meeting of that body held in 1778 by action of the
68 Awakening of the Church
body required all members of the society to refrain
from engaging in distilling. Five years later this same
society declared that all those who failed to obey the
injunction set forth in the declaration of 1778 should
be shut out from "church communion and the kiss."
The Society of Friends of New England in 1784
incorporated in the discipline of the church a provision
against distilling, importing, trading or handing out to
others spirituous liquors. In 1788 this society at its
Yearly Meeting bound all members of the church to
refrain from the use of ardent spirits.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in 1780 strongly
condemned the distilling business and declared the
purpose of Methodists "to disown all persons who
engage in distilling." The old John Wesley rule was
reaffirmed by the Methodists in America in 1784 and
again in 1788 after a strong appeal had been made to
the General Conference of 1788 by Doctor Benjamin
Rush, who was a close personal friend of Bishop
Asbury and other pioneers of Methodism in America.
In 1789 the American Methodists took a stronger
stand than that represented by the Wesley rule, when
they cut out of the rule the words "unless in cases of
extreme necessity." In 1790, however, the rule was
weakened by cutting out the words "buying or selling."
The second regular General Conference of the Metho-
dist Church, however, in 1796 again set forth the
historic attitude of the church in no uncertain terms.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
in 1789 went on record in a strong resolution which
committed the church to the policy of doing all in its
power to make men sober. The Philadelphia Yearly
Meeting of Friends in 1794 declared that all those
Awakening of the Church 69
who imported, made or sold distilled liquors should
not be employed in any service of the church and their
contributions should not be received for the support
of the church. This appears to be the first record of a
church refusing to receive money made in the conduct
of the liquor traffic.
The Seventh Day Baptists made a pronouncement
in 1797 and enforced Prohibition so far as the place
of the yearly meeting of the Assembly was concerned.
The Universalist Church in 1800 resolved to hold no
further sessions of the council of its convention in any
hall connected with a tavern or public house. The
Brethren or "Dunkards" in 1804 unanimously decided
against any member being permitted to sell ardent
spirits or wine.
The temperance sermons which had been preached
prior to 1810, and the resolutions of the several
church denominations prior to that date, however, had
to do almost entirely with the individual habits and
privileges of the members of the several organizations.
The church had repeatedly admonished and adopted
restrictive rules for its members, but the church as
such, prior to 1810, had not put itself into the tem-
perance movement in such a way as to influence public
opinion outside of church communions and to bring
to bear the force of public sentiment in behalf of tem-
perance reform. Perhaps the nearest exception to this
general attitude of the church was the action of the
Baltimore Yearly Meeting of Friends in 1801 when
that body after hearing the pathetic appeal of the
Indian Chief "Little Turtle" sent to Congress a copy
of "Little Turtle's" address in behalf of his people.
The new policy on the part of church bodies in con-
70 Awakening of the Church
nection with the temperance reform was inaugurated
by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
in 1810 when that body, recognizing the growing evil
of intemperance and realizing that a new policy must
be adopted by the churches if the growth of the liquor
traffic and the liquor habit was to be arrested, appointed
a special committee to consider and report to the Gen-
eral Assembly the conditions in respect to the liquor
traffic. The following General Assembly of the Pres-
byterian Church in 1811 after receiving a report from
the special committee appointed the previous year,
appointed another special committee to devise ways
and means to arouse public sentiment on the liquor
question. This committee reported to the General As-
sembly of 1812 recommending that all ministers of the
Presbyterian Church be urged to deliver public dis-
courses on the sin and mischief of intemperate drink-
ing and that they further be urged "pointedly and
solemnly to warn their hearers and especially members
of the church not only against actual intemperance but
against all those habits and indulgences which have a
tendency to produce it." This report, moreover,
strongly arraigned drinking places as public nuisances
and urged action against them. The report of the
committee was adopted by the General Assembly and
the Presbyterian Church was thus committed to an
aggressive movement against every phase of the traffic
in distilled liquors. The sessions of the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the following
years took no backward step, but repeatedly empha-
sized the obligation of the church to press the move-
ment for temperance reform and to urge cooperation
Awakening of the Church 71
to this end upon the part of all Presbyterian ministers
and members of the church.
At the General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church held in 1812 the Rev. James Axley, a
strong advocate of temperance and one of the reform
leaders of the church, presented a resolution declaring
that no stationed or local preacher should retail spir-
ituous or malt Hquors without forfeiting his ministerial
character. This resolution attempted to go further than
the declaration of any church organization had pre-
viously gone, since it included fermented liquors in the
same class with distilled spirits. The General Confer-
ence of the Methodist Church was not ready to take
such an advance step and the resolution was defeated.
The same General Conference, however, sent out a
strong letter urging activity in the interest of temper-
ance reform. At the following General Conference in
1816 the same resolution which had been introduced by
Doctor Axley at the General Conference of 1812 was
presented again by him with the elimination of the
reference to malt liquors, whereupon the resolution
was promptly adopted by the General Conference.
From this time forward each succeeding General Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church took
advance ground on the liquor question until it reached
the point eventually of declaring unequivocally for the
total Prohibition of the sale and use of all kinds of
intoxicating liquors as beverages.
The Eastern Conference of the United Brethren
Church held in 1814 incorporated in the discipline of
that church a provision insisting upon abstinence from
strong drink and the use of liquors except in cases of
necessity as medicine. In 1821 the United Brethren
72 Awakening of the Church
Church took a decidedly advanced step when in its
General Conference Resolutions it not only declared
that preachers and lay members should not be per-
mitted to carry on distilleries but enjoined the ministers
of the church to labor against the evils of intemper-
ance and indicated that the next General Conference
would take up the subject for further consideration
and action. In the General Conference of the United
Brethren Church held in 1833 even a stronger resolu-
tion was adopted. From that time forward the Gen-
eral Conferences of the United Brethren Church
aggressively continued the fight against the liquor
traffic, thus being one of the first church organizations
to declare for the total prohibition of the liquor traffic
in all its forms.
The General Convention of the Universalist Church
in 1814 by resolution requested the Universalist socie-
ties not to permit liquors at subsequent meetings of
those bodies. The African Methodist Church which
was organized in 1816 declared in its discipline
strongly against drunkenness and drinking spirituous
liquors unless ordered to do so by a physician. Similar
action was taken by the Baltimore Yearly Meeting of
Friends in 1821 and was urged by the Rev. William
Metcalf on the Bible Christian Church in 1823. Other
denominations during this period spoke out in resolu-
tions against intemperance and distilling, but the reso-
lutions and activities of most of the churches did not
reach further.
The most important forward movements of the
church along temperance lines during the entire period
from 1810 to 1826 were directed by the Congregational
denomination through its state associations and
Awakening of the Church 73
through the local and state organizations created and
directed largely by ministers of the Congregational
Church. When Doctor Lyman Beecher moved from
New York to Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1810, the
organized movement for temperance reform in the
United States was destined to have its beginnings on
New England soil, by virtue of the fact that more than
any other single factor the great personality of Doctor
Beecher undoubtedly had to do with committing the
church to a relentless cooperative fight against the
liquor traffic and fostering the spirit of general
organized activity along temperance reform lines.
The General Association of the Congregational
Church in Connecticut in June, 1811, appointed a com-
mittee to cooperate with the committee appointed by
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
Similar action was taken the same year by the General
Association of Congregational Churches of Massachu-
setts and the General Association of Congregational
Churches in New Hampshire.
Something of the general character and remarkable
qualities of leadership of Doctor Lyman Beecher is
indicated by the report of the Congregational Asso-
ciation of Connecticut, held in Litchfield in 1812. The
committee on temperance, which had been appointed
the previous year, reported at the Association meeting
in Litchfield in 1812 deploring the evil of intemper-
ance but indicating that probably not much could be
done to remedy conditions. Doctor Beecher, amazed
and disgusted at the apathy and lack of courage shown
by the report of the committee, promptly moved that
the committee be discharged and that a new committee
be appointed. This action was taken, and the newly
74 Awakening of the Church
appointed committee with Dr. Beecher at its head
promptly brought in a ringing resolution outlining a
plan of action in behalf of the temperance reform,
which was heartily adopted by the Association. A
stronger resolution was also adopted by the Associa-
tion the following year.
Second only to those of Doctor Beecher in the early
days of this period were the efforts in behalf of tem-
perance reform by the Reverend Heman Humphrey,
D.D., afterwards president of Amherst College. The
Rev. Justin Edwards, moreover, who began to be heard
on the temperance question in 1815 and 1816, was
destined to play a conspicuous part in the forward
movement which had been inaugurated in the Congre-
gational Church by Doctor Beecher. In 1822 Doctor
Edwards advanced the idea that the only means of
preventing sober men from becoming drunkards is by
entire abstinence. During the next few years Doctor
Edwards took an active part in the temperance reform
agitation and published several articles and pamphlets
in the interest of the movement. It is probably fair to
say, however, that no other temperance declarations,
comparatively speaking, have had such wide publicity
hroughout the American continent and the world as
have the famous six temperance sermons preached by
Doctor Lyman Beecher in 1826. These sermons
served the purpose of what might well be described as
a call to arms for the temperance forces of the nation.
They had a profound effect on temperance organiza-
tion work, which began on a nation-wide scale the
same year these sermons were preached.
One of the most significant facts in connection with
the forward movement of the church along temper-
Awakening of the Church 75
ance lines which began in 1810 was that it marked the
dawn of a new age in church activity, since it sug-
gested the importance of cooperative effort on the part
of the churches of different denominations, and since
it suggested also the necessity for social service
activity on the part of the churches, which activity
should of necessity reach outside the close church
communion into the realm of the social life of the
nation and the world. It is more than a coincidence
that the period of larger church activity in cooperative
effort for temperance reform began at the time when
the church throughout the United States was in the
midst of one of the greatest revivals of religion, com-
paratively speaking, which has ever swept over the
American continent. It is undoubtedly true that the
period of religious fervor which seemed to prevail
throughout the nation at that time was responsible for
greatly hastening the progress of the temperance
movement which grew out of the activities of the
church and for which the church was responsible both
in the matter of leadership and sentiment.
The following chronology covers the principal items
of interest in connection with the temperance reform
during the period.
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1810-1826
1810
Dr. Lyman Beecher moves to Litchfield, Conn.,
and immediately becomes active in the cause of tem-
perance.
Rev. Heman Humphrey, D.D., pastor of a church
76 Awakening of the Church
in Fairfield, Conn,, and afterwards for 22 years
president of Amherst College, preaches a series of
six temperance sermons.
Jeremiah Evarts of the Congregational Church,
editor of the "Panoplist," begins to write against
the evils of intemperance.
During the year 25,499,382 gallons of ardent spir-
its are distilled in the United States, of which only
133,823 gallons are exported. In addition to this,
over 8,000,000 gallons of spirits are imported into
the United States.
There are 14,191 distilleries in the United States;
the per capita consumption of distilled liquor is
4 4-7 gallons.
The Presbyterian General Assembly appoints a
committee to consider and report on conditions in
respect to the liquor traffic.
1811
Dr. Benjamin Rush appears before the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church urging the
necessity of inaugurating a plan to arouse public
sentiment on the liquor question; a committee is
appointed to devise ways and means.
The General Association of the Congregational
Church in Connecticut held at Litchfield in June
appoints a committee to co-operate in the temper-
ance movement with the committee appointed by
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
The General Association of the Congregational
Church of Massachusetts appoints a committee on
temperance to correspond with and act in concert
with the committee of the General Assembly of the
Awakening of the Church 11
Presbyterian Church and with the committee ap-
pointed for the same purpose by the General Asso-
ciation of Connecticut.
The General Association of the Congregational
Churches in New Hampshire, in session at Dunbar-
ton, September 17, appoints a temperance commit-
tee to act with the committee appointed by the Gen-
eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
The General Convention of Vermont, the Synod
of New Jersey, the Synod of New York and the
Presbytery of Suffolk, Long Island, take steps
against the evils of intemperance.
A temperance society is organized in Weathers-
field, Conn.
On November 5 Rev. Nathaniel S. Prinne
preaches a strong temperance sermon before the
Presbytery of Long Island.
1812
Upon presentation of the report of a committee
appointed in 1811 by the Congregational Associa-
tion of Connecticut to the effect that nothing can be
done to check the evil of intemperance. Dr. Lyman
Beecher, Litchfield, moves that the committee be
discharged and a new committee appointed. This
being done, the new committee, with Dr. Beecher
as chairman, promptly reports recommending en-
tire abstinence on the part of individuals and fami-
lies from all spirituous liquors and advance steps
against the traffic.
The Congregational Association of Fairfield
County, Conn., publishes a strong appeal to the pub-
lic against the drinking usages of society. This
78 Awakening of the Church
was probably written by Rev, Heman Humphrey,
afterwards president of Amherst College.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church adopts the report of a committee appointed
the year before, which report urges upon all the
ministers of the Presbyterian Church in the United
States "to deliver public discourses on the sin and
mischief of intemperate drinking." This report fur-
ther admonished every minister "pointedly and sol-
emnly to warn their hearers, and especially mem-
bers of the church, not^only against actual intem-
perance but against all tnose habits and indulgences
which may have a tendency to produce it," and ar-
raigns drinking places as public nuisances.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury of the
United States closes with an appeal to the minis-
ters of the gospel and others to put forth active,
practical efforts for the suppression of intemper-
ance.
Rev. Mr. Weems, the biographer of George Wash-
ington, publishes a temperance pamphlet.
The General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church defeats a resolution presented by Rev.
James Axley declaring that "no stationed or local
preacher shall retail spirituous or malt liquors with-
out forfeiting his ministerial character among us,"
but sends out a circular letter to the churches
regarding the liquor question.
A temperance society is organized at Portland,
Maine, on April 24.
A temperance society is organized at Saco, Maine.
A temperance society is organized at Bath, Maine.
Awakening of the Church 79
Rev. Calvin Hill and Rev. Roswell Swan of the
Congregational Church advocate total abstinence.
An Indian council is held at Batavia, N. Y., on
March 2, at which Chief Hauanossa makes a strong
plea for total abstinence.
The Religious Magazine of Maine declares that
"the selling of spirituous liquors at a place of wor-
ship should be discouraged and that a man who in-
dulges in the use of ardent spirits is in a poor situa-
tion to either hear or preach the gospel."
A gill of rum, whisky or brandy is made a part
of the regular daily ration of each soldier in the
United States Army.
1813
The Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of
Intemperance is formed February 12 at the Hall of
the Union Bank in Boston.
"The Society for the Reformation of Morals" is
organized at New Haven, Conn.
Rev. Heman Humphrey, D.D., publishes in the
"Panoplist" a series of six articles on the subject,
"Causes, Progress, Effects and Remedy of Intem-
perance in the United States."
The General Association of Connecticut in June
takes further and stronger action against intemper-
ance.
In April temperance societies are organized at
Brunswick, Topsham and Harpswell, Maine.
Local temperance societies, auxiliary to the Mas-
sachusetts Temperance Society, are organized in
that state in North Yarmouth, Charleston, Frank-
lin, Danvers, Bradford, Dedham, By|ield, Bridge-
water and other towns.
80 Awakening of the Church
Rev. Nathaniel S. Prinne of Cambridge, Washing-
ton County, N. Y., organizes the farmers of his con-
gregation into a temperance society.
A system of excise is inaugurated by Congress,
including licenses on retailers of "wines, spirituous
liquors and foreign merchandise." These taxes are
to cease one year after the termination of the War
of 1812.
The Act of Congress of August 2 contains the pro-
vision that no license shall be granted to any person
to sell wines, distilled spirituous liquors, or merchan-
dise, who is prohibited to sell the same, by any state.
1814
The following article is inserted in the Book of
Discipline of the Church of the United Brethren in
Christ: "Article II. Every member shall abstain
from strong drink, and use it only on necessity as
medicine."
Dr. Jacob Ide of Medway, Mass., makes his fa-
mous plea for total abstinence.
Hon. Samuel Dexter, president of the Massachu-
setts Society for the Suppression of Intemperance,
and who had been Secretary of War and of the
Treasury, calls attention to the appalling increase in
the use of ardent spirits.
The General Convention of Universalists votes to
request societies not to permit liquors at subsequent
meetings of those bodies.
A large number of local temperance societies are
organized in Massachusetts as auxiliaries to the
Massachusetts Temperance Society.
An additional tax of 50 per cent is levied upon
J
Awakening of the Church 81
retail liquor dealers by the Act of Congress on De-
cember 23. ^^^^
Congress enacts a law providing that any one es-
tablishing a still in the Indian country shall be fined
$500 and shall forfeit the still.
Rev. Justin Edwards of Andover urges the neces-
sity of temperance.
1816
Rev. Justin Edwards of the Congregational
Church in Andover, Mass., preaches a strong tem-
perance sermon.
The "Christian Disciple" publishes a series of ar-
ticles on the "Causes, Delusions and Cure of Intem-
perance."
Dr. Appleton, president of Bowdoin College, at
the anniversary of the Massachusetts Society for
the Suppression of Intemperance, delivers a strong
address in the interest of the temperance reform.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is or-
ganized by Rev. Richard Allen and Rev. Absalom
Jones, and provides against "drunkenness and the
drinking of spirituous liquors unless ordered to do
so by a physician."
The General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church passes a resolution introduced by Rev.
James Axley, declaring that "no stationed or local
preacher shall retail spirituous liquors without for-
feiting his ministerial character amang us."
Congress by the Act of April 29 partially removes
the taxes on retail liquor dealers.
1817
Rev. Samuel Worcester, D.D., of Salem, Mass.,
82 Awakening of the Church
speaking before the annual meeting of the Massa-
chusetts Temperance Society, estimates that there
are 80,000 drunkards in the United States and that
the annual drink bill of Massachusetts is $2,000,000.
Many vessels along the coast of New England
adopt the policy of total abstinence from all ardent
spirits during their voyages.
All taxes laid upon retail liquor dealers are re-
moved by the Act of Congress of December 23.
1818
By the Act approved April 14 Congress author-
izes the President to "make such alterations in the
component parts of the ration as due regard to the
health and comfort of the army and economy may
require."
The Secretary of War, John C. Calhoun, calls for
a report from the Surgeon General as to the pro-
priety of furnishing a substitute for the spirit ration.
The report when made is averse to any change in
the spirit ration.
In order to prohibit the habitual use of ardent
spirits among the people Secretary Calhoun pro-
hibits the use of liquor altogether in the United
States Army.
Selectmen, overseers of the poor, tithing men and
retailers of Northampton, Mass., in a meeting to-
gether resolve to discourage intemperance and not
to permit spirituous liquors to be sold or drunk in
their respective stores.
Forty auxiliary local temperance societies have
been organized in Massachusetts in five years.
A temperance society is organized in Hector, N.
Y., the preliminary meeting of which is held in a
Awakening op the Church 83
bar-room. The manner of keeping the record of
the signers of two kinds of pledges used by this
society originates the term "T-totalers" or "Tee-
totalers." (Rev. Joel Jewell, elected secretary in
1827, placed before each member's name on the roll
the initial letters "O. P." or the letter "T," the for-
mer meaning "Old Pledge," which was a pledge
against the use of ardent spirits, and the latter
"Total," which referred to the new pledge against
the use of all intoxicating liquors.)
An address issued by the Legislature of Vermont
to the inhabitants of that state urges temperance
upon the people.
1819
"The New York Society for the Promotion of In-
ternal Improvement" delivers a strong address
against the policy of taxing and trying to regulate
the liquor traffic as one tending to protect rather
than to diminish the traffic.
The National Committee and Council of the
Cherokee Nation, at Newton, Ga., the capital, passes
their first Prohibition law, providing that "no per-
son or persons, not citizens of the nation, shall bring
into this nation or sell any spirituous liquors." As
all the liquor-sellers are whites, this act amounts
to total Prohibition of liquor selling within the ju-
risdiction of the nation.
1820
On August 10 George Gibson, Commissary Gen-
eral of Subsistence, sends to all assistant commis-
sary generals a letter stating that it is his own wish
and the wish of Mr. Calhoun, Secretary of War, to
84 Awakening of the Church
dispense with the spirit ration, and offering the
troops the contract price thereof in money.
The first treaty made with the Indians by the
Federal Government, which contained a definite
provision eliminating the liquor traffic, is made with
the Choctaw Nation.
The Cherokee Nation extends the Prohibition of
liquor selling by forbidding the sale of liquors by
negro slaves.
Rev. Joshua Leavitt of Stratford, Conn., through
the columns of the Christian Spectator, urges total
abstinence from all ardent spirits.
A temperance society is formed at Charlotte, N.
C, which is maintained until 1836. This society is
organized and promoted by Presbyterians.
1821
The following action is taken by the General Con-
ference of the Church of the United Brethren in
Christ: "Resolved, that neither preacher nor lay
member shall be permitted to carry on a distiller}"^ ;
that distillers be requested to cease the business ;
that the members of the General Conference be re-
quested to lay this resolution before the several an-
nual conferences; that it shall then be the duty of
the preachers to labor against the evils of intem-
perance during the intervals between this and the
next General Conference, when the subject shall
again be taken up for further consideration."
Maine requires selectmen to post in all places
where liquor is sold the names of all persons re-
ported to be drunkards or tipplers.
The Baltimore Yearly Meeting of Friends places
in its discipline an article on moderation and tem-
Awakening of the Church 85
perance emphasizing the "unnecessary use of intoxi-
cating liquors of every description."
The Tennessee Legislature repeals all laws pro-
hibiting the sale of ale, beer, cider and methylin by
retail.
1822
Rev. Dr. Justin Edwards, pastor at Andover,
Mass., preaches two powerful temperance sermons
at funerals which were the direct result of intem-
perance, and advances the idea that the only means
of preventing sober men from becoming drunkards
is by entire abstinence.
1823
Dr. Justin Edwards reports the First and Second
Baptist Churches of Boston as having no member
engaged in the liquor traffic and the Boston Baptist
Bethel as having sustained a Monday evening tem-
perance meeting every week for more than 40 years.
Rev. William Metcalfe of the Bible Christian
Church publishes a tract on "the duty of entire ab-
stinence from all intoxicating drinks." Concerning
the accursed beverages he says, "We should not
even hear their names."
The Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of
Intemperance issues an arousing appeal penned by
Henry Ware, Esq., of Boston, warning the public
against the evils of the liquor traffic and urging leg-
islative action.
The annual consumption of ardent spirits in the
United States increases to 7j^ gallons per capita.
A Boston editor writes a vigorous editorial on the
subject.
86 Awakening of the Church
Rev. Eliphalet Nott, D.D., publishes a volume of
sermons on the evils of intemperance.
The Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of
Intemperance is reorganized and adopts a more
aggressive program,
1824
The Russian-American treaty of April 17 pro-
hibits the sale of intoxicants to the natives of the
Alaska Territory.
The Cherokee Nation passes several measures
making more stringent their laws against liquor
selling in their territory.
1825
In this year, according to Rev. Lyman Beecher, at
an ordination in Plymouth, Conn., "besides food, is
a broad sideboard covered with decanters and sugar
and pitchers of water."
Shrewsbury, Mass., with 1,400 population, con-
sumes 120 hogsheads of rum in a year.
New York State reports 1,149 distilleries within
her borders.
Fitchburg, Mass., with a population of 1,900, con-
sumes 100 hogsheads of rum in a year.
Rev. Justin Edwards issues a pamphlet entitled
"A Well Conducted Farm," which is a description
of the farm of I. V. S. Wilder, Esq., of Bolton, con-
ducted on strict temperance lines.
A meeting of leading temperance advocates is
held at Andover, out of which a series of movements
of great importance to the temperance reform
begins.
J
Awakening of the Church 87
Dr. Justin Edwards takes measures looking to a
call for the friends of the temperance cause to meet
in Boston, Mass., early in the next year.
King Kamehameha II. inaugurates a total absti-
nence campaign in Hawaii.
CHAPTER IV
The Period of Organization — 1826-1851
THE YEAR 1826 marks the beginning of the
period of organized temperance effort of a
general character in the United States. Prior
to 1826 numerous local societies and one or
two state organizations had been created and had
played their part in the progress of the temperance
movement. There had indeed been one or two attempts
to inaugurate temperance movements which would
have more than a local or state significance, but no
such effort proved successful until the organization of
the American Temperance Society, later known as the
American Society for the Promotion of Temperance,
which was born at Boston, Massachusetts, on Feb-
ruary 13, 1826.
The first organized temperance movement on record
was that created by more than 200 farmers in Litch-
field county, Connecticut, in 1789. This society was
organized as "an association to discourage the use of
spirituous Hquors." To this end the farmers consti-
tuting the members of the society pledged themselves
to do away with the use of distilled liquors in the
harvest fields and among farm laborers. The use of
intoxicating liquors by farm hands and in all coopera-
tive farm efforts was such a generally accepted custom
in New England at that time that the action of the
Litchfield farmers was considered fanatical in the
Ixxxix
90 Period of Organization
extreme, but the effect of the movement in the country
surrounding Litchfield was marked in the sentiment
which manifested itself in that particular section
during the forty years immediately following the birth
of the farmers' organization. It was at Litchfield that
the crusade for temperance reform in New England,
inaugurated by the church, began in 1810, and it
was from this same Litchfield that the voice of that
great pioneer reformer, Doctor Lyman Beecher,
sounded forth the call to the church and the moral
forces of New England which aroused out of lethargy
the Christian people, stripped the liquor traffic of its
cloak of respectability, and laid the foundation of the
temperance work of a century. It was at Litchfield
that Doctor Beecher preached the famous six temper-
ance sermons, which were heard around the world.
The next organization of record was a total absti-
nence society organized by Micajah Pendleton in the
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in 1804. The year fol-
lowing the organization of this Virginia abstinence
movement witnessed the organization of an association
among journeymen and other laborers engaged in the
manufacture of paper in the city of Philadelphia, the
object of which was to promote temperance among
workers.
The famous "Billy Clark" society, known as the
Union Temperance Society of Moreau and North-'
umberland, was organized at Saratoga, New York, in
1808. This society, while local in its scope and organi-
zation, nevertheless attracted such attention that im-
mediately following its birth numerous similar socie-
ties were brought into existence in other counties and
municipalities of New York state. The Clark society,
I
Period of Organization 91
while not the first organized temperance movement,
was probably more important and more far-reaching
in its influence than any of those which sprang into
existence before 1808. That influence was such, in fact,
that Saratoga became the Mecca of early temperance
reformers and many of the most important general
temperance conventions of the early days were held
at that place, which was generally recognized as the
place where aggressive, organized effort against the
liquor traffic in the United States had its beginning.
The Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of
Intemperance, which was the first state organization
of record, was organized in Boston on February 12,
1813. While this society was active at first and while
about forty local auxiliaries to this state organization
were formed between 1813 and 1818, the organization
itself soon fell into a state of inactivity. The society
was reorganized in 1823, but never assumed the kind
of aggressive leadership needed even in that day in
the state of Massachusetts, although it continued in
existence for a century.
During this period of the awakening of the church,
hundreds of local temperance societies sprang into
existence in response to the demand for aggressive
Christian service, which was the natural outgrowth of
the fervor which attended the great revival of religion
during that period, and in response to the demand for
aggressive and organized activity which the church's
awakened conscience on the liquor question made nec-
essary. The American Temperance Society of 1826, in
fact, was nothing more nor less than the voice and
conscience of the church expressing itself in militant
organized form. The leaders of that organization and
92 Period of Organization
those that followed in the movement for a quarter of
a century were almost entirely of the church, and even
in the case of the few non-church members who be-
came active in the reform during the following twenty-
five years, their spirit and motives were born in the
atmosohere and under the peculiar moral influences of
the church.
Had the temperance reform in America waited for
a non-church or a non-Christian leadership, the tem-
perance revolution of the past century would yet
remain to be accomplished. No close student of the
philosophy of history during the nineteenth century
and the first twenty years of the twentieth century
could reasonably arrive at any other conclusion than
that the motive, the genius and dynamic force of the
temperance reform, regardless of whatever form it
may have assumed or through whatever particular
organizations it may have expressed itself, nevertheless
has been the product of the Christian church. It
would be as reasonable to declare that the power
which moves the electric railway car comes from the
trolley wire and not from the dynamo in the power-
house, as to say that the temperance revolution owes its
success to this or that organized temperance movement
rather than to the church.
Every successful temperance movement of the last
century has been merely the instrument — the machin-
ery and equipment — through which the fundamental
principles of the Christian religion have expressed
themselves in terms of life and action. The permanent
success or failure, moreover, of any temperance
reform organization for a hundred years, has been
measured and is easily indicated by the distance which
Period of Organization 93
separated the motive and guiding principle of any such
organization from the soul of the church.
The movement inaugurated in 1826 was electric in
its effect throughout the country. Almost immediately
state and local auxiliaries by the hundreds sprang into
existence, bound together by a common purpose and a
common program. Within a year after the organiza-
tion of the American Temperance Society there had
been formed 222 local auxiliaries in the states of
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North
Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. By 1829 the
number of auxiliary locals had increased to about
1,000, eleven of which were state organizations. By
1831, state organizations had been created in all but
five states, and 2,200 local societies had been formed
with a membership aggregating 170,000. The number
of local organizations had increased to 3,000 by 1832,
and in 1833 the number was estimated at 5,000, with a
total membership of 1,250,000. Two years later there
had been formed 8,000 local temperance societies
throughout the United States.
The first national temperance convention was held
in the city of Philadelphia in 1833. By action of this
convention a general temperance union was created,
consisting of the officers of the American Temperance
Society and the officers of twenty-three state temper-
ance societies in their associated capacity. This, how-
ever, proved to be an organization in name only, until
1836, when a second national convention was called to
meet at Saratoga, New York, at which the movement
was reorganized and the name changed to the Ameri-
94 Period of Organization
can Temperance Union. Two years later at the second
annual meeting of the American Temperance Union,
the Union declared for total abstinence from all in-
toxicants including fermented as well as distilled
liquors. Immediately after the taking of this advance
step by the American Temperance Union, local organi-
zations throughout the nation by the thousands re-
organized on the basis of total abstinence and by the
year 1839 it was estimated that more than 350,000 had
signed the total abstinence pledge.
The decade immediately following 1840 witnessed
the founding of more temperance organizations of a
general and national character than any other similar
period in the history of the United States. The Wash-
ingtonian movement was organized in the city of Balti-
more in 1840. The Martha Washington movement fol-
lowed in 1841. The first local society of the Sons of
Temperance came into existence in 1842, in which year
also the order of Rechabites was first introduced into
the United States, and the Congressional Temperance
Society of 1833 was reorganized on a basis of total
abstinence. The first state division of the Sons of
Temperance was organized in New York state in 1843,
and the national division came into existence the fol-
lowing year. The Order of Templars of Honor and
Temperance was created and became operative in 1845,
while the National Temple of Honor and Temperance
and the Cadets of Temperance organized under the
direction of the Sons of Temperance came into exist-
ence in 1846. The following year witnessed the organi-
zation of the Society of Good Samaritans. The Order
of Templars of Honor and Temperance was reorgan-
ized on a life pledge basis in 1848, and the important
Period of Organization 95
Father Mathew movement had its beginning in 1849.
By 1850 the order of the Sons of Temperance had
extended its organization work throughout the country
to such a degree that there were recorded in that year
36 grand chapters, 5,894 subordinate divisions, with a
total membership of 245,233.
Most of the temperance organizations which came
into existence between 1840 and 1850 operated in the
form of lodges with paying members, each of whom
was compelled to take the pledge upon initiation. The
most successful of these lodges was the order of the
Sons of Temperance, which reached a point of greater
influence and larger membership than any other similar
organization of the century, with the single exception
of the Independent Order of Good Templars which
came into existence in 1851 and which exercised such
a great influence in state and local temperance cam-
paigns of the fifties and sixties, and out of which came
the leaders who organized the National Temperance
Society and the Prohibition party.
The influence of the efforts of the various temper-
ance organizations which came into existence between
1826 and 1851 can never be estimated. These move-
ments swept the country until almost every town and
community had one or more auxiliary local orders.
The movement for the organization of these local
societies grew into a mighty moral crusade throughout
the nation, in which churches and moral societies of
almost every character joined.
The American Society for the Promotion of Tem-
perance, however, later organized into the American
Temperance Union, was in reality the outstanding
temperance movement of the period, occupying as it did
96 Period of Organization
the place of leadership for the larger part of that
eventful quarter of a century, creating public sentiment
and directing a nation-wide campaign of education
along temperance lines, which formed the foundation
for the great state-wide Prohibition crusade of the
fifties.
Among those who were the leaders in the temper-
ance reform of this period, in addition to those already
named, there appear such names as John B. Gough,
William Lloyd Garrison, Lewis Cass, John Hawkins,
John Marsh, William E. Channing, Edward C. De-
lavan. Father Theobald Mathew, William Goodell,
Nathaniel Hewit, Thomas P. Hunt, and Charles
Jewett. Anything like a record of the services which
these men rendered to the cause of temperance reform
in the United States would easily require a large
volume.
The following chronology covers the principal items
of interest in connection with the temperance reform
during the period.
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1826-1851
1826
Dr. Lyman Beecher preaches his six famous tem-
perance sermons at Litchfield, Conn.
Rev. Calvin Chapin, D.D., on January 1, begins
the publication in "The Connecticut Observer" of a
series of 33 temperance articles under the general
subject, "The Infallible Antidote."
The conference called by Dr. Justin Edwards
meets in January and agrees to form a strict tem-
perance organization. A committee is appointed
Period of Organization 97
to draft a constitution and correspond with tem-
perance advocates throughout the country.
"The National Philanthropist" is established in
Boston and its motto is, "Temperate drinking is the
down-hill road to intemperance." The editor is
Rev. WilHam Collier.
Dudley, Mass., with 1,800 inhabitants, consumes
10,000 gallons of rum in a year.
A young men's temperance society is organized
at Providence, R. I., with 250 members. A similar
organization is effected at Andover.
Dr. Gamaliel Bradford, in an address before the
Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of In-
temperance, urges the establishing of inebriate asy-
lums.
As a result of the efforts of Dr. Justin Edwards
and others "The American Temperance Society,"
later known as "The American Society for the Pro-
motion of Temperance," is organized at Boston,
Mass., on February 13 with Hon. Marcus Morton
of Boston as president. Rev. Nathaniel Hewitt of
Boston is engaged as a special evangelist of the so-
ciety and goes across the Alleghanies and down
through the Carolinas urging the people to organize
against the liquor traffic.
Resolutions are considered in the House of Repre-
sentatives declaring that it is expedient to increase
the duty on all imported spirits and to levy an ex-
cise on domestic liquors. The matter is referred to
a committee which reports favorably, but the excise
recommendation fails of passage by Congress.
The Baptist Church establishes a temperance and
98 Period of Organization
Prohibition publishing house which is the first such
establishment in the United States.
The Virginia Society is founded by Rev. Abner
Clopton among Baptist ministers of Charlotte
county, Va., the members pledging themselves to
use spirituous liquors as medicine only.
1827
A temperance society organized in Virginia de-
clares against the intemperate use of spirituous liq-
uors, the election of drunkards as legislators, the
employment of intemperate physicians, and the use
of spirituous liquors on funeral occasions.
The Massachusetts Medical Society resolves:
"To discourage the use of ardent spirits" and "to
discontinue the employment of spirituous prepara-
tions whenever they can find substitutes."
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church strongly pronounces in favor of the temper-
ance reform, declares for total abstinence and for
co-operation with other bodies for the promotion of
temperance.
The General Synod of the Reformed Dutch
Church recommends that the ministry, consistories
and congregations promote the cause of temperance.
The General Convention of Vermont makes a
strong pronouncement against intemperance.
The Park Street Church of Boston goes on record
in favor of abstinence from spirituous liquors.
Rev. Thomas P. Hunt administers his total ab-
stinence pledge to numerous children in New York.
The Medical Society of New Hampshire adopts a
resolution declaring it to be the profound convic-
Period of Organization 99
tion of its members that water is "the only proper
beverage for man."
Wilbraham, Mass., with 2,000 inhabitants, con-
sumes 8,000 gallons of rum in a year.
Salisbury, Conn., has 34 families who consume
29/^ gallons of rum each in a year.
Two discourses on intemperance by Rev. J. G.
Palfrey, D.D., of Boston, are published, as is also
a pamphlet by Reuben Muzzey, M. D., of New
Hampshire, entitled "The True Nature of Alcohol."
A total abstinence society is organized at Ludlow-
ville, N. Y.
Hon. Jonathan Kittredge, an able lawyer of
Canaan, N. H., on January 8 delivers an address on
"The Effects of Ardent Spirits" before a public
meeting in the town of Lyme, N. H.
Prof. Reuben D. Muzzey of Dartmouth Medical
College delivers a famous address against the liquor
trafific before the New Hampshire Medical Society.
The General Synod of the Reformed Dutch
Church in America resolves to "discourage the in-
discriminate use of ardent spirits in family and in
social circles."
One of the Choctaw districts in the Indian Terri-
tory prohibits the introduction and sale of ardent
spirits.
"The Morning Star," a religious publication of
the Free Baptist Church, begins the publication of
a temperance department, strongly urging the im-
portance of total abstinence.
A report of the trustees of the almshouse for the
city and county of Baltimore, Md., shows that of
the 623 adults committed to the institution in the
100 Period of Organization
year 1826 there were 554 who were placed in the
institution on account of poverty produced by ex-
cessive drunkenness.
The first criminal code is enacted by the chief
of Hawaiian Island tribes against murder, theft,
retailing ardent spirits, Sabbath breaking and gam-
bling.
The Massachusetts and New Hampshire Medical
Societies pass resolutions against the use of distilled
liquors.
At the first anniversary of the American Temper-
ance Society reports show the organization of thir-
teen temperance societies in Maine, twenty-three in
New Hampshire, seven in Vermont, thirty-nine in
Massachusetts, two in Rhode Island, thirty-three in
Connecticut, seventy-eight in New York, six in New
Jersey, seven in Pennsylvania, one in Delaware, one
in Maryland, five in Virginia, two in North Caro-
lina, one in Kentucky, one in Ohio and two in Indi-
ana, making a total of 222 local societies in the
Union.
Thirty thousand men during the year pledge
themselves to total abstinence from ardent spirits
through the efforts of the American Temperance
Society.
The Massachusetts Temperance Society goes on
record as against efforts to prohibit the use of wine,
as unreasonable and impolitic and suggests that
wine of the milder kinds may be an important in-
strument in promoting the suppression of intem-
perance.
Period of Organization 101
1828
The Connecticut State Medical Association de-
clares in favor of Temperance Reform.
Rev. Albert Barnes of Morristown, N. J., pub-
lishes twelve essays on intemperance.
The General Synod of the Reformed Dutch
Church in America recommends to ministers,
churches and individual Christians to promote the
cause of temperance by the formation of societies
and recommends total abstinence from liquor except
as a medicine.
The General Synod of the Cumberland Presby-
terian Church recommends the discontinuance of
the use of ardent spirits.
Twelve Essays on Temperance by Rev. Albert
Barns, D.D., of Philadelphia, are published. Simi-
lar pamphlets are published by Rev. W. B. Spragiie,
D. D., of West Springfield, Mass., Rev. Heman
Humphrey, D. D., and Samuel Natt, of Galway,
N. Y.
Under the leadership of Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D. D.,
the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church adopts strong resolutions on temperance
and urges total abstinence.
Because of the remarkably efTective temperance
agitation over the country many taverns are com-
pelled to close for want of patronage and .several
distilleries are closed for want of a market for their
product.
The Free Baptist Church in General Conference
adopts the total abstinence pledge, and appoints a
committee on temperance. All members are ad-
102 Period of Organization
vised to abstain from the use of ardent spirits except
as medicine.
A total abstinence society is organized at Lansing,
N. Y.
The Associate Reformed Synod of New York of
the United Presbyterian Church characterizes in-
temperance as "the greatest evil in our country."
The first Woman's Temperance Society is organ-
ized in the state of Ohio.
The first Prohibition legislation is enacted by the
Chickasaw Nation.
A perpetual charter is granted to the Boston Beer
Company.
1829
The New York State Temperance Society is or-
ganized at Albany on January 17, largely through
the instrumentality of Mr. Edward C. Delavan.
February 22 is set apart by the temperance people
of the country as a day of fasting and prayer for the
temperance cause.
The Connecticut State Temperance Society is or-
ganized on May 20 as a result of a meeting held at
Hartford ; President Jeremiah Day of Yale College
is made chairman, Rev. Dr. E. John Marsh, secre-
tary, and Dr. Calvin Chapin, chairman of the execu-
tive committee.
A remarkable address delivered by Dr. John
Marsh at a meeting of the Windham County, Conn.,
Temperance Society is printed and circulated to the
number of 150,000 copies.
A half-dozen strong temperance documents are
published by the press and are widely read.
Rev. Justin Edwards, D. D., is permanently ap-
Period of Organization 103
pointed corresponding secretary of the American
Society for the Promotion of Temperance.
The Journal of Humanity, a temperance periodi-
cal edited by Rev. Edward W. Hooker, is estab-
lished by the society at Andover, to succeed "The
National Philanthropist," which has been removed
from Boston to New York.
The selectmen of each town in the state of Maine
are authorized to decide whether or not liquor sell-
ing, shall be permitted.
The Presbyterian Church appoints a day of fast-
ing and prayer in the interest of the temperance re-
form.
Troy, N. Y., with a population of 10,000, con-
sumes 73,959 gallons of rum.
William Lloyd Garrison is appointed editor of the
National Philanthropist.
The New Hampshire Temperance Society is or-
ganized.
As a result of the organized efforts of the tem-
perance reformers more than 1,000 temperance so-
cieties have been created. Of these 62 are in
Maine, 46 in New Hampshire, 56 in Vermont, 169
in Massachusetts, 3 in Rhode Island, 133 in Con-
necticut, 300 in New York, 21 in New Jersey, 53 in
Pennsylvania, 1 in Delaware, 6 in Maryland, 52 in
Virginia, 15 in North Carolina, 14 in Georgia, 8 in
Alabama, 30 in Ohio, 9 in Kentucky, 5 in Tennessee,
4 in Mississippi, 13 in Indiana, 1 in Illinois, 3 in
Michigan and 1 in Missouri. There are 11 state
societies.
The Pennsylvania State Temperance Society is
organized.
104 Period of Organization
A pledge of total abstinence from distilled spirits
is drawn up in the Cherokee language and widely
circulated by Indian societies among the Cherokees.
The Seneca chiefs of Ohio join in a petition to the
President asking for the removal of their people to
the West, where they can live well and be out of
reach of the white men's strong drink.
The introduction and sale of ardent spirits is pro-
hibited in all the districts of the Choctaw Nation.
A young people's temperance society with a to-
tal abstinence pledge is organized on August 22 at
Hector, N. Y.
As a result of three years' activity of the Ameri-
can Temperance Union, 400 merchants have relin-
quished the traffic in liquor, 50 distilleries have
closed, the number of local temperance societies has
increased to 1,000, 11 being state societies; the
pledged membership of these societies has increased
to 100,000, of whom 1,200 have been drunkards.
February 22 is set apart as a day of fasting and
prayer on account of intemperance.
1830
A prize of $250 offered for the best essay on the
question as to whether church members should use
or traffic in distilled liquors is awarded to Prof.
Moses Stuart of Andover Theological Semniary,
who in his essay takes strong ground against the
use or trafficking in licenses by church members.
Maine has thirteen distilleries with an annual out-
put of 1,000,000 gallons of rum. Three hundred
thousand gallons of rum, cider and fermented liquors
are imported.
The Reformed Dutch Church recommends the
Period of Organization 105
formation of total abstinence societies in all local
congregations.
The first annual report of the New Hampshire
Temperance Society declares that there are 80 aux-
iliary local societies in New Hampshire with more
than 8,000 members.
The per capita consumption of distilled spirits in
the United States is 6 gallons per annum.
The Presbyterian Church takes a strong stand
for total abstinence and declares for the limiting of
the sale of liquor to "the druggist shop."
The first annual report of the New York Tem-
perance Society at the convention held in Albany,
January 19, indicates 300 local societies in the state
and a membership of 40,000.
The Methodist Protestant Church organizes. In
its constitution and discipline it declares against the
use, manufacture and sale of liquor as a beverage.
The first annual report of the Connecticut State
Temperance Society mentions 17 auxiliary societies
in the state with a membership of 22,532.
The State Temperance Society of Pennsylvania is
organized.
It is estimated that 60,000 men are enrolled in the
temperance societies over the country.
The Methodists decide to form total abstinence
societies on the several circuits of the church.
General Lewis Cass of Michigan, afterward Sec-
retary of War, delivers a strong temperance address
at Detroit, Mich.
The primitive temperance societies organized
amon^ the Iroquois Indians arc organized after the
white man's style into formal societies with writ-
106 Period of Organization
ten constitutions. Branch societies are formed on
different reservations and for a number of years an-
nual conventions are held.
John H. Eaton, Secretary of War under President
Jackson, makes an attack upon the spirit ration of
the army, recommending its abolition. He presents
the statistics of desertion during seven years, and
states that nearly all who deserted in 1829 did so
through drink. He also presents a number of re-
ports from army chiefs recommending the abolition
of the spirit ration.
Secretary of War Eaton, under the authority of
President Jackson, issues a department order, on
November 30, discontinuing the regular spirit ration
and making stringent rules for the government of
sutlers in selling spirits to the troops. Not more
than two gills of ardent spirits may be sold to any
soldier per day, and no spirits are to be sold save
on the written permission of the commanding of-
ficer; no liquor is to be sold before noon, or on
credit.
The provision against the liquor traffic, inserted
in the treaty made in 1820 with the Choctaw Nation,
is strengthened by the treaty with the Choctaw Na-
tion of September 15.
The Connecticut State Medical Society appoints
a committee to report on the need of a special asy-
lum for medical treatment of inebriates.
1831
General Lewis Cass (afterward Secretary of
War), Dr. Hossack of New York, and Dr. Sewall
Period of Organization 107
of Washington, D. C, strongly endorse the temper-
ance movement.
Dr. Justin Edwards visits Washington and by-
permission addresses the American Congress in the
Capitol on the subject of temperance. He also
visits other cities on his tour and organizes ten so-
cieties with an aggregate membership of more than
1,000.
Through the generosity of Mr. Edward C. Dela-
van of Albany, N. Y., a wealthy gentleman who has
become greatly interested in the temperance move-
ment, Dr. Hewitt is sent as a temperance missionary
to England.
By the close of the year state temperance societies
have been organized in all the states except Maine,
Alabama, Louisiana, Illinois and Missouri. A total
of 2,200 societies have been organized with an ag-
gregate membership of 170,000.
The first annual report of the Pennsylvania Tem-
perance Society recommends the abandonment of
fermented liquor as well as spirituous liquors.
Dr. James Kirk of Scotland finds alcohol in the
brain of a dead debauchee and burns it in a spoon.
Under the administration of Kuakini as Governor
of Oahu, a native temperance society is formed at
Honolulu with a membership of one thousand.
The Presbyterian General Assembly strongly
urges upon the church the immorality of the liquor
traffic and its inconsistency with the Christian reli-
gion.
No-license is adopted in those parts of Massa-
r
108 Period of Organization
chusetts where the Pilgrims landed; two counties
and several towns exclude the traffic.
The Secretary of the Navy expresses his convic-
tion that the use of ardent spirits is one of the
greatest curses, and declares his intention to recom-
mend a change with regard to it in the navy.
In September the "Western Cherokees" who had
voluntarily emigrated west of the Mississippi, pass
a law prohibiting the selling of ardent spirits within
five miles of the national council.
1832
Congress g^ves the soldiers the right to draw cof-
fee and sugar instead of the spirit ration.
Indiana enacts a local option law providing for
remonstrances in townships or towns.
Dr. Francis Wayland, president of Brown Uni-
versity, becomes one of the leading American advo-
cates of the temperance cause.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church denounces the use of ardent spirits even in
moderation.
The Board of Health of Washington, D. C, act-
ing under an opinion of Attorney General Wirt,
issues the following proclamation : "That the vend-
ing of ardent spirits, in whatever quantity, is con-
sidered a nuisance and, as such, is hereby directed
to be discontinued for the space of ninety days from
this date. James Lamard, secretary."
The General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church adopts ringing resolutions in behalf of
the temperance movement and appoints a committee
on temperance.
Period of Organization 109
Twenty-one state and 3,000 auxiliary temperance
societies in the United States have been organized
prior to this date. Almost 1,000 of the auxiliary
societies are in New York State.
A congressional temperance meeting is held in the
national capital which results in the organization of
the Congressional Temperance Society the next
year.
There are 2,000 places in the state of Maine where
liquor is sold.
The State Temperance Society of Maine is or-
ganized.
Seventy-five of the eighty physicians in Boston
sign a declaration against the use of ardent spirits
by men in health.
The commissioners of Athens, Ga., acting under
state authority, impose a license tax of $500 on
venders of intoxicating liquors.
Daniel Webster makes an address before a meet-
ing of the Congressional Temperance Society in
Washington on January 13, moving a resolution
that the efforts of the temperance societies of the
United States have had the effect of diminishing
crime and benefiting conditions.
General Lewis Cass, Secretary of War, a life-long
abstainer, strengthens the order issued by Secretary
of War Eaton, by absolutely forbidding the sale of
spirits by sutlers, and substituting coffee in lieu of
spirits in the ration. The "fatigue ration" is de-
clared not to be within executive discretion.
The Navy Department tries the experiment of
having a vessel manned by a crew without the usual
110 Period of Organization
supply of rum. The vessel itself is named Experi-
ment.
At a conference of the Free Baptist Church held
at Meredith, N. H., a temperance society is organ-
ized. Members pledge themselves not to drink liq-
uors, nor to vend them, nor to sell them to employ-
ees or friends, and to use their influence to prevent
drinking. Clergymen who are members pledge
themselves not to ordain to the ministry any man
who drinks liquors or advocates their use as a
beverage.
The restraints upon the manufacture, sale and use
of liquor are relaxed in Hawaii on the accession of a
new king.
Secretary of War General Lewis Cass issues an
order on November 2, forbidding the introduction
of ardent spirits into any fort, camp, or garrison of
the United States, and prohibiting their sale by
any sutler to the troops. He also provides a sub-
stitute for the army liquor ration allowing eight
pounds of sugar and four pounds of coffee in place
of 100 liquor rations.
The Secretary of the Navy discourages the use
of spirits in the navy by directing that coffee, tea,
sugcir or money may be offered to the seamen 11
place of the liquor ration.
1833
The Congressional Temperance Society, com-
posed entirely of members of Congress and of the
executive officers of the government, is organized at
Washington, D. C, on February 26, with Secretary
of War Lewis Cass of Michigan as president.
Period of Organization 111
The Temperance Society of the New York Col-
lege of Surgeons and Physicians is organized.
A delegated convention (the first such national
convention) representing the temperance societies
of all the states as well as some English societies,
meets in the First Presbyterian Church of Phila-
delphia, May 24-27, with 440 delegates present.
Nineteen states and territories are represented. An
immediate result of this convention is the organiza-
tion of a national society under the name "United
States Temperance Union" (later called the Ameri-
can Temperance Union), composed of the members
of the American Temperance Society of Boston and
the officers of the several state temperance societies.
The Governor of Massachusetts presides over the
state temperance convention held at Worcester,
Mass.
State temperance conventions are held at Hart-
ford, Conn. ; Milledgeville, Ga. ; Columbus, Ohio ;
Utica, N. Y. ; Jackson, Miss. ; and Richmond, Va.
The Georgia Legislature grants the right of local
option on the liquor question to the inferior courts
of Liberty and Camden Counties whereupon the city
of Athens, where the State University is located,
and the whole of Liberty County with a population
of more than 8,000, go under Prohibition.
Judge Piatt, eminent jurist of New York, gives
it as his opinion that, "Wherever public opinion and
the moral sense of our community shall be so far
corrected and matured as to regard them in their
true light and when the public safety shall be
112 Period of Organization
thought to require it, dramshops will be indictable
at common law as public nuisances."
The Sixth General Conference of the United
Brethren Church makes it an offense punishable
with expulsion, for an exhorter, preacher or elder
to manufacture or sell ardent spirits. A year is
given to those so engaged to close the business.
Florida enacts a license law providing that appli-
cations for license shall be signed by a majority of
the regpistered voters in the election district where
application is made.
Dr. Wayland, president of Brown University, in
a letter to Dr. Justin Edwards, stands for legisla-
tive action and Prohibition of the liquor traffic.
The State Temperance Society of Mississippi
recommends abstinence from vinous as well as ar-
dent spirits.
Dr. Woodward of the Worcester, Mass., insane
asylum, urges that inebriety be regarded as a dis-
ease and that a special hospital be established for
treatment of the same.
A total abstinence society is formed at Andover,
Mass.
The Seventh-Day Baptists stand for total absti-
nence.
The United Presbyterian Church urges upon the
membership of the church the formation of tem-
perance societies.
The Ohio Conference of the African M. E. Church
goes on record as in favor of temperance societies
which the conference declares to be especially im-
portant to the colored people.
Twenty-five members of the Twenty-second Con-
Period of Organization 113
gress sign a paper agreeing to associate in the for-
mation of the Congressional Temperance Society.
Some of the signers are Theodore Frelinghuysen,
John Davis, Samuel Bell, Gideon Tomlinson, Hora-
tio Seymour, Felix Grundy, G. M. Dallas, W. W.
Ellsworth and William Hendrickson. On the even-
ing of February 26 the society is organized in the
U. S. Senate chamber, with Hon. William Wilkins
chairman of the meeting; Hon. Lewis Cass, Secre-
tary of War, is chosen the first president; Hon.
Walter Lowrie, secretary of the Senate, as secretary.
The object of the society is declared to be "By ex-
ample and kind moral influence, to discountenance
the use of ardent spirits and the traffic in it through-
out the community."
It is estimated that there are more than 5,000 lo-
cal temperance societies in the United States, with
an estimated membership of 1,250,000, of whom
10,000 have been drunkards ; about 4,000 distilleries
have been discontinued and 6,000 merchants have
given up the sale of ardent spirits, while over 1,000
vessels have abandoned the use of strong liquors.
The members of the Massachusetts Legislature
form a legislative temperance society, with the
governor of the colony as the president.
Luther Jackson, Esq., of New York, publishes at
his own expense a pledge afterward adopted by the
American Temperance Society, as follows: "We
whose names are hereunto annexed, believing that
the use of intoxicating liquors as a drink is not only
needless but hurtful to the social, civil and religious
interests of men ; that they tend to form intemper-
ate appetites and habits; and that while they are
114 Period of Organization
continued the evils of intemperance can never be
done away, do therefore agree that we will not use
them or traffic in them ; that we will not provide
them as articles of entertainment or for persons in
our employment, and that in all suitable ways we
will discountenance the use of them in the commu-
nity."
A state temperance convention is held in Utica.
N. Y.
The Connecticut Temperance Society has a state
convention in Middletown on December 3.
A state temperance convention is held in Colum-
bus, Ohio, on the 18th of December, at which the
Governor of the state presides.
The State Temperance Society of Mississippi
holds a convention in Jackson, Miss., on Christmas
Day.
1834
Edward C. Delavan, an ex-wine merchant of Al-
bany, N. Y., draws up the following declaration
against strong drink, to which he afterwards se-
cures the signatures of Presidents Jackson, Madi-
son, John Adams, Van Buren, Tyler, Polk, Taylor,
Fillmore. Pierce, Buchanan, Lincoln and Johnson :
"Being satisfied from observation and experience, as
well as from rriedical testimony, that ardent spirits,
as a drink, is not only needless but hurtful, and that
entire disuse of it would tend to promote the health,
the virttje and the happiness of the community, we
hereby express our conviction that should the citi-
zens of the United States, and especially the young
men, discontinue entirely the use of it they would
Period of Organization 115
not only promote their own personal comfort but
the good of our country and the world."
The first state temperance convention ever held
in Missouri is called at St. Louis.
Maine holds a state temperance convention and
organizes for aggressive work against the drink
traffic.
The Twenty-third Congress of the United States
passes an act prohibiting the introduction or sale of
spirituous liquors and wine into the Indian coun-
tries to be supplied to Indians by gift or otherwise.
The New York Temperance Society declares for
total abstinence.
The Presbyterian General Assembly declares that
the traffic in strong drink is morally wrong.
The Philadelphia Conference of the African M. E.
Church resolves, "That it shall be the duty of all
the preachers of this conference to strictly recom-
mend the temperance cause in their circuits or sta-
tions."
The New York Conference of the African M. E.
Church resolves, "That we will make use of all dis-
ciplinary measures, both by precept and example, to
promote and extend the temperance cause."
By the act approved June 30 it is forbidden to set
up or continue any distillery within the Indian coun-
try, under a penalty of $1,000.
The first anniversary of the Congressional Tem-
perance Society is held in the Representatives' Hall,
the attendance having outgrown the limited dimen-
sions of the Senate Chamber.
The state temperance convention held at Frank-
fort, Ky., on January 7 recommends that all new
116 Period of Organization
temperance societies should agree to abstain from
wine as well as spirits.
Important state temperance conventions are held
in Vermont, January 15 ; Maine, February 5 ; New
Jersey, February 12 ; New York, February 19 ; Penn-
sylvania, March 4; and in Missouri and Delaware
in May.
1835
Dr. Humphrey of Amherst College, Judge Pratt
and Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, later a candidate
for Vice President on the ticket with Henry Clay,
strongly advocate a movement against the license
system of the country.
Congress, with the cordial approval of President
Andrew Jackson, enacts a law prohibiting the sell-
ing of liquors to Indians in Indian countries, under
penalty of $500.
The Presbyterian General Assembly meeting in
Philadelphia strongly declares against the traffic in
ardent spirits.
The grand jury in New York City, attributing
two-thirds of the crime and pauperism of New York
to the influence of intoxicating liquors, places the
following declaration on record: "It is our solemn
impression that the time has now arrived when our
public authorities should no longer sanction the evil
complained of by granting licenses for the purpose
of vending ardent spirits, thereby legalizing the
traffic at the expense of our moral and physical
power."
Rev. Dr. George B. Cheever of Salem, Mass., is
committed to jail for libel because of a publication
under the title, "Deacon Giles' Distillery," which a
Period of Organization 117
certain Deacon Story claims was intended to per-
sonate him and accordingly sues the preacher.
Mr. Edward C. Delavan of Albany, N. Y., having
charged the brewers of Albany with using water for
malting purposes drawn from a pond which is prac-
tically a sewer for the city of Albany, is sued for
libel on a number of counts asking $300,000 dam-
ages. He is compelled to give bail in the sum of
$40,000 to keep out of jail. Later Mr. Delavan is
victorious in the suit.
A New Jersey association of Baptist Churches
declares that "it is morally wrong in all, but espe-
cially in a professor of religion to manufacture, vend
or use liquors (intoxicating or alcoholic) as a com-
mon article of luxury or living;" it also declared
for total abstinence and expulsion of members who
make, sell or use intoxicating liquors as a beverage.
The temperance convention at Boston, Mass., de-
clares against all intoxicating liquors.
The annual report of the American Society for the
Promotion of Temperance is devoted chiefly to the
nature of alcohol and abstinence from all intoxicat-
ing liquors is avowed.
The Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Association passes uncompromising resolutions
against the liquor traffic ; it declares for total absti-
nence, the instruction of the youth, favors Consti-
tutional Prohibition, opposes its members sign-
ing license petitions or the renting of property for
the sale of liquors, and declares against the use of
fermented wine at the Lord's Supper as "contrary
to the total-abstinence principles of our church."
It is estimated that in the United States more
118 Period of Organization
than 8,000 temperance societies have been formed;
more than 4,000 distilleries have been stopped ; more
than 200,000 persons have ceased to use any kind
of intoxicating liquor; about 2,000,000 have ceased
to use*distilled liquors, 1,500,000 of whom are en-
rolled members of temperance societies.
Prof. Reuben D. Muzzey, M. D., distinguished
medical man and professor of anatomy and sur-
gery, Dartmouth College, decares that "So long as
alcohol retains a place among sick patients so long
will there be drunkards."
The General Convention of Universalists declares
for the suppression of intemperance in all its forms.
A petition signed by six chiefs and several thou-
sand natives is presented to King Kamehameha III.
of Hawaii, asking for the total Prohibition of the
liquor traffic.
A great temperance meeting is held in Honolulu
and a committee of natives draw up a memorial to
prohibit the liquor traffic. A law is passed impos-
ing a fine for disorderly conduct due to drunken-
ness.
1836
In spite of the fact that 1,774 ministers in the an-
nual conferences of the Methodist Church have
voted for the reinstatement of John Wesley's rule
against the use, buying or selling of distilled liquors,
and in spite of the further fact that a motion to
carry out this mandate in the General Conference
is approved by a vote of 76 to 38, the presiding
Bishop declares the motion lost because the affirma-
tive vote is not two-thirds of the entire membership
of the General Conference.
Period of Organization 119
The Second National Temperance Convention is
held at Saratoga, N. Y. The pledge of the society
is changed from abstinence from "alcoholic liquors
or ardent spirits" to abstinence from "all intoxicat-
ing liquors." The society is reorganized as the
American Temperance Union with Hon. John H.
Cooke of Virginia as president and Edward C. Dela-
van of Albany, N. Y., as chairman of the executive
committee.
The Reformed Presbyterian Synod unanimously
resolves that "as the liquor trafific is always damag-
ing to our fellow-men, it is recommended that our
members totally abstain from the traffic."
Most temperance societies in the United States
revise their pledges to include all kinds of intoxi-
cating liquors as well as spirits.
The National Cherokee Temperance Society is
formed and branches are organized in numerous
towns and villages.
1837
The charter of Mercer University, in Georgia, pro-
hibits liquor houses on the lands of the institution.
The Maine Temperance Union is organized.
The Free Baptist Church condemns the dealers
in intoxicating drinks as responsible for all evils
growing out of the traffic, and urges legislation
against the traffic.
The Seventh General Conference of the United
Brethren Church advises all members, both clerical
and lay, to abandon the manufacture and sale of
ardent spirits.
The Legislature of Massachusetts confers upon
120 Period of Organization
county commissioners the right to refuse the grant-
ing of licenses.
The Journal of the American Tentperance Union
is first published.
The State of Tennessee abolishes all special taxes
on the sale of liquors and provides for dealing with
such sale "as in other cases of misdemeanor."
Dr. Channing of the Unitarian Church at the
council of the Massachusetts Temperance Society,
held at the Odeon in Boston, delivers a memorable
address on intemperance, explaining the grave dan-
ger to youth.
The conference of the Free Baptist Church, held
at Greenville, R. I., resolves to save inebriates from
drinking, help others' from falling and urges the ex-
ample of total abstinence.
Two thousand temperance societies have been
formed in New York State
1838
Rhode Island and New Hampshire adopt local op-
tion for towns on the question of liquor license.
Each soldier in the United States Army is given
the option of drawing coffee and sugar, or the
money equivalent, instead of a gill of spirits a day.
The Legislature of Tennessee repeals all license
laws and provides that all persons retailing liquors
shall be fined at the discretion of the court.
The Legislature of Massachusetts passes the
"fifteen-gallon law," which prohibits the sale of ar-
dent spirits in less quantities than 15 gallons at a
time.
The American Temperance Union in its annual
report cheerfully acknowledges that the temperance
Period of Organization 121
reformation is the "fruit of the gospel," and urges
the church to stronger action against the drink evil.
At the second meeting of the American Temper-
ance Union the principle of total abstinence is
strongly avowed.
The Yale College Temperance Society is organ-
ized.
Senator Daniel Webster presents a petition from
army officers asking Congress to abolish the "fatigue
ration" of spirits.
Congress by Act of July 5 substitutes coffee "in
lieu of spirit or whisky" and abolishes the army
spirit ration.
A joint standing rule is adopted by Congress that
"no spirituous liquors shall be offered for sale or
exhibited within the Capitol or on the public
grounds adjacent thereto."
1839
The State of Connecticut enacts a local option
law, leaving the licensing of liquor dealers optional
with the towns.
Mississippi enacts what is commonly known as
"the gallon law," which is intended to suppress
tippling.
Illinois passes a local option law which provides
for Prohibition in all cities and towns where the
majority of the adult male citizens sign a petition
for it.
It is estimated that 350,000 persons in the United
States have signed the pledge.
Fifteen strong temperance journals are being pub-
lished in the United States.
122
Period of Organization
The following temperance newspapers are being
published in the United States :. "The Journal of the
American Temperance Union." Philadelphia; "The
Temperance Gazette," Augusta, Maine; "Temper-
ance Journal," Boston, Mass. ; "The Temperance
Herald," Providence, R. I. ; "The Temperance Star,"
Montpelier, Vt. ; "The Temperance Recorder," Al-
bany, N. Y. ; "The Temperance Reporter," Trenton,
N. J. ; "The Temperance Recorder," Philadelphia ;
"The Standard," Wilmington, Del. ; "The Temper-
ance Herald," Baltimore, Md. ; "The Western Tem-
perance Journal," Cincinnati, Ohio ; "The Temper-
ance Herald," Jackson, Mich. ; "The Temperance
Advocate," Indianapolis, Ind. ; "The Temperance
Herald," Alton, 111.
The state temperance societies of Maryland, Wis-
consin, Texas and Iowa go on record in favor of ab-
stinence from all forms of intoxicating liquors.
Dr. Percy proves by experiments that alcohol
causes death by its specific effect upon the nerve
centers and not by coagulating the blood.
"The Youths Temperance Advocate" is estab-
lished, with Dr. John Marsh as editor.
Most of the temperance societies having dis-
banded in New York State, 1,200 societies with a
membership of over 130,000 are formed with total
abstinence as the principal foundation.
A great temperance meeting is held in Faneuil
Hall, Boston, on July 4.
The members of the Cherokee Nation, driven from
Georgia, meet at Tahlequah, Indian Territory, to
draft a constitution and a code of laws. The six-
teenth law, adopted on September 26, prohibits the
Period of Organization 123
introduction or vending of ardent spirits within the
territory of the nation.
King Kamehameha III. is compelled by the pres-
ence of a French warship to sign a treaty admitting
French wines and brandy into the island of Hawaii.
1840
The Washingtonian Temperance Movement is in-
augurated at Baltimore, Md., by a Baltimore drink-
ing club of six men — W. K. Mitchell, a tailor ; J. F.
Hoss, a carpenter; David Anderson and George
Steers, blacksmiths ; James McCarley, a coach-
maker; and Archibald Campbell, a silversmith —
who are induced to change their habits by the ad-
dress of a temperance lecturer.
The State Temperance Society of Pennsylvania
declares for total abstinence from all intoxicating
liquors.
Another law is enacted in Hawaii for the Prohibi-
tion of the manufacture of intoxicating liquor.
The Massachusetts "fifteen-gallon law" is re-
pealed.
Reports show 10,306 distilleries operating in the
United States, 200 of which are in New York.
The Washingtonians report 34,000 signatures to
the pledge in New Jersey and Delaware; 6,000 in
Boston; New Orleans, 6,000; Mobile, 2,000; Ohio,
60,000; Kentucky, 30,000; Pennsylvania, 29,000;
Baltimore, 4,600. It is estimated that in the United
States 150,000 men take the pledge.
1841
The National Temperance Convention meets at
Saratoga.
The Eighth General Conference of the United
124 Period of Organization
Brethren Church prohibits any clerical or lay mem-
ber from manufacturing or selling any ardent spirits
under penalty of expulsion.
The Martha Washington temperance societies for
women are organized and result in strengthening
the Washingtonian movement.
The Cherokee National Council of Indian Tribes
prohibits the sale of intoxicating liquors within the
territory of these tribes, under penalty of the de-
struction of all liquors seized.
The local option law of Rhode Island is repealed.
The General Conference of the Free Baptist
Church, held at Topsham, Maine, condemns the use
of fermented wines and advises their rejection from
the sacrament.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church prohibits any
of its members from engaging or continuing in the
liquor traffic, and sessions are urged to remove the
evil from the church as speedily as possible.
The Third National Temperance Convention is
held at Saratoga Springs, N. Y,
1842
Abraham Lincoln addresses the Washingtonian
Society at Springfield, 111., urging a temperance rev-
olution.
John B. Gough signs the temperance pledge at
Worcester, Mass., on October 31.
The Legislature of Connecticut wipes out all re-
strictive laws against the liquor traffic.
The State Temperance Societies of Mississippi,
New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia declare
for total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors.
The Order of Sons of Temperance is organized
Period of Organization 125
by sixteen strong-souled, earnest men, who meet in
Tee-totalers' Hall, New York, on Thursday evening,
September 29. This organization is designated as
New York Division No. 1, Sons of Temperance,
A report made to the American Temperance
Union states that in the few years ending in 1842
widespread temperance propaganda has been car-
ried on in marine circles, especially on merchant
vessels. The spirit ration is abandoned on mer-
chant ships, coasters and whalers everywhere. Sail-
ors' homes. Bethel churches and mariners' temper-
ance societies are formed. At Charleston, S. C,
400 sailors sign the pledge. In New York City 1,400
seamen do likewise. The entire crew of the United
States frigate Columbia sign the pledge in a body,
with Captain Parker, the chaplain and the purser in
the lead. Practically the entire crew of the Ohio
do the same.
Congress reduces the rum ration of the navy to
one gill per day, and forbids that being issued to
persons .under 21 years of age. It also allows the
alternative of half a pint of wine, butter, meal, rais-
ins, dried fruit, pickles, molasses, or the value in
money.
Kamehameha, King of Hawaii, places himself at
the head of an active propaganda movement for to-
tal abstinence.
An agreement is made between the Russian-
American Company and the Hudson Bay Company
which prohibits entirely the selling or giving of rum
to the natives of Alaska.
The Independent Order of Rechabites is intro-
duced into the United States from England.
126 Period of Organization
The Congressional Temperance Society is reor-
ganized with "total abstinence" provisions for all
members and the president is Hon. George N.
Briggs; vice presidents, Hon. Messrs. Thomas W.
Gilmer of Virginia, Thomas Henry of Pennsylvania,
S. S. Bowne of New York, T. F. Marshall of Ken-
tucky, Edmund Deberry of North Carolina, H. M.
Watterson of Tennessee, J. T. Mason of Maryland,
Calvary Morris of Ohio, and John Mattocks of Ver-
mont; secretary, I. M. Howard, of Michigan.
Among the members at the time of this new de-
parture are Messrs. Calhoun of Massachusetts, Hall
of Vermont, Giddings of Ohio, Morgan of New
York, Choate of Massachusetts, Wise of Virginia,
and many others.
1843
Oregon passes a law prohibiting the sale of intox-
icating liquors to Indians.
John B. Gough begins to lecture in Massachusetts
for 75 cents a night.
In June the city of New York resolves not to pro-
vide intoxicating liquors at the reception to the
President of the United States. The same action is
taken in Boston at the Bunker Hill celebration.
The Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance
of New York is legally constituted. Daniel H.
Sans is elected and installed Grand Worthy Patri-
arch.
A Grand Council Fire is held at Tahlequah (In-
dian Territory) on July 3 and a solemn anti-liquor,
compact formed by representatives of the Cherc
kees. Creeks and Osages.
Period of Organization 127
1844
Governor George N. Briggs is made Governor of
Massachusetts. He is a strong promoter of total
abstinence and does not serve liquors in the Gov-
ernor's mansion.
The Territorial Legislature of Oregon enacts a
general prohibitory law.
The National Division of the Sons of Temperance
is instituted, with jurisdiction over six grand divi-
sions, 71 subordinate divisions and about 6,000
members.
The first known effort to induce the young to join
an organization and take the pledge of total absti-
nence is made at a quarterly session of the Grand
Division of the Sons of Temperance of New York,
January 9.
The Hawaiian Total Abstinence Union is organ-
ized.
1845
The Order of the Templars of Honor and Tem-
perance is organized.
John B. Gough is ensnared by a trick of his ene-
mies and becomes intoxicated.
In more than 100 towns in Massachusetts the
traffic in ardent liquors has ceased.
The records of the Sons of Temperance show that
at the end of this year the order has 14 grand divi-
sions, 650 subordinate divisions and 40,000 mem-
bers. It is recommended by the National Division
that the members of the order support public tem-
perance meetings throughout the country.
128 Period of Organization
Huntsville, Ala., places a license tax of $2,500 on
the retail sale of intoxicating liquors.
The New York State Legislature enacts a local
option law governing the sale of intoxicating liq-
uors. The law provides for elections in the month
of May and applies to all towns and cities of the
state outside of New York City.
The first General Eldership of the Church of
God held at Pittsburgh, Pa., adopts strong temper-
ance resolutions.
The prohibitory law of Oregon is strengthened.
The local option law is re-enacted in Rhode Island.
Michigan enacts a local option law.
The liquor dealers employ Rufus Choate and Dan-
iel Webster to defend their interests before the
courts. Three test cases in which the defendants
have been convicted of violating the state laws re-
stricting or forbidding the selling of liquor are ap-
pealed to the United States Supreme Court.
A Temple of Honor is established December 5
and is called "Marshall Temple No. 1, Sons of Tem-
perance."
William A. McKee of Philadelphia emphasizes
temperance juvenile organization before a session
of the Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance.
In November, at a meeting of Morning Star Divi-
sion No. 66, the Sons of Temperance, definite steps
are taken to organize a society for the young. The
pledge prohibits the use of tobacco and profanity as
well as the use of liquors.
1846
The Democratic Legislature of Maine enacts
Period of Organization 129
law prohibiting the sale of liquor by any except
those designated by selectmen.
Vermont enacts a local option law.
Pennsylvania enacts a no-license law which is
later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme
Court.
The membership of the Sons of Temperance is
reported to be 100,000, which shows an increase of
60,000 in one year.
Dr. J. E. Turner of Maine urges the necessity of
establishing a special asylum for the treatment of
inebriety.
A separate order called the "National Temple of
Honor of the United States" is organized Novem-
ber 5, after unsuccessful efforts to connect with the
Sons of Temperance.
The Legislature of Ohio grants the privilege of
township local option to ten counties of the state.
The Mar}'land Legislature enacts a law prevent-
ing the clerk of Montgomery county from issuing
licenses on certain roads without an order by one
of the judges of the court.
The first organization of the Cadets of Temper-
ance, Germantown, Pennsylvania, section No. 1, is
organized December 6.
Rufus Choate delivers an address in the Massa-
chusetts Senate in behalf of measures to restrict the
liquor traffic.
England forces the King of Hawaii to allow the
importation and sale of English liquors in the islands,
1847
All but one county of Iowa votes for Prohibition
130 Period of Organization
under the local option law passed by the first Legis-
lature after statehood.
The famous liquor cases from Massachusetts, New
Hampshire and Rhode Island are decided by the
United States Supreme Court against the liquor
traffic.
Congress makes more stringent the law against
the introduction of liquors in Indian countries and
the gift or sale of the same to Indians.
The Delaware Legislature votes to submit to the
people the question of license or no license.
A civil damage anti-liquor law is proposed in the
Massachusetts Legislature but fails of passage.
The Order of Good Samaritans is founded in New
York.
The New York Legislature repeals the law passed
in 1845.
The Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance
of New Brunswick is enthusiastically organized.
A deputy is commissioned to introduce the order
into Great Britain, which is done in London on No-
vember 19.
A Grand Section of the Cadets of Temperance is
organized at Philadelphia on February 22.
The township local option provisions enacted by
the Ohio Legislature in 1846 are repealed.
New Jersey enacts a township local option law.
Chief Justice Taney in a decision of the Supreme
Court states that "Although the gin sold was an
import from another state, Congress has clearly the
power to regulate such importations, . . . yet as
Congress has made no regulation on this subject.
Period of Organization 131
the traffic in the article may be lawfully regulated
by the state as soon as it is landed in its territory,
and a tax imposed upon it, or a license required, or a
sale altogether prohibited, according to the policy
which the state may suppose to be its interest or
duty to pursue."
Senator William H. Seward of New York pre-
sents petitions to Congress asking for the abolition
of the spirit ration.
Congress enacts that "no annuities, moneys or
goods shall be paid or distributed to Indians while
they are under the influence of any description of
intoxicating liquor."
1848
The Methodist Episcopal Church at the first Gen-
eral Conference after the division of the church, held
in Pittsburgh, Pa., reinstates the original rule of
John Wesley against "drunkenness, buying or sell-
ing spirituous liquors or using them except in cases
of extreme necessity." This is done in harmony
with action taken in the annual conferences where
the vote stood 2,017 for the rule and 21 against.
The Supreme Court of Delaware declares the pro-
hibitory law unconstitutional.
The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends
urges abstinence from all intoxicating liquors.
Maryland enacts a law closing saloons on Sunday.
The Legislature of New Hampshire submits to
the people the question of the expediency of a law
prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors except
for mechanical and medicinal purposes ; three-
fourths of the votes cast on this question are in favor
of the law.
I
132 Period of Organization
New Jersey enacts a law closing saloons on Sun-
day.
The Templars of Honor and Temperance make
the pledge to total abstinence binding for life, this
being the first order to make such requirement.
1849
The General Conference of the United Brethren
Church forbids the use as well as the manufacture
and sale of intoxicating liquors by any and all
members.
Father Mathew arrives from Ireland on July 2,
and begins his pledge-signing crusade. President
Tyler gives a banquet at the White House to Father
Mathew and the Senate votes the extraordinary dis-
tinction of admitting him to the bar of the Senate.
The Legislature of Iowa passes a law leaving the
granting of liquor licenses to the board of super-
visors in each county, which in effect repeals the
county option law.
A prohibitory measure stronger than previous
ones passes the Legislature of Maine, but is vetoed
by Governor Dana.
Neal Dow is elected Mayor of Portland, Maine.
New Hampshire enacts a law prohibiting the
granting of licenses to sell wines and spirituous liq-
uors except for medicinal, mechanical and chemical
purposes. The bill is approved July 7.
The prohibitory liquor law of Oregon is repealed.
The vote on the liquor question at the polls in
Vermont results in a majority against license of
12,000.
The New Jersey Legislature confirms and makes
more stringent the Sunday closing law.
I
Period of Organization 133
The Court of Appeals in Maryland sustains the
Sunday closing law.
Wisconsin by a vote of 13 to 3 in the Senate and
29 to 21 in the House enacts a law permitting no
man to vend or retail spirituous liquors until he
shall have given bond to pay all damages the com-
munity or individuals may sustain by such traffic,
to support all paupers, widows and orphans and pay
the expenses of all civil and criminal prosecutions
growing out of or justly attributed to such traffic.
General Cary, chief officer of the National Divi-
sion of the Sons of Temperance, says, "We must
have a nobler, higher, holier ambition than to re-
form one generation of drunkards after another.
We must seal up the fountain whence flows the
desolating stream of death."
George W. Crawford, Secretary of War, issues an
order dated September 21 forbidding sutlers from
selling ardent spirits or other intoxicating drinks,
under penalty of losing their situations.
1850
At the fourth annual meeting of the Sons of Tem-
perance in Boston on June 11, there are representa-
tives from 36 grand chapters, 5,894 subordinate divi-
sions and 245,233 paying members.
The Neal Dow Prohibition measure presented to
the Legislature of Maine is lost by a tie vote in the
Senate.
The annual per capita consumption of distilled
spirits in the United States is 2^ gallons.
Michigan adopts a constitutional amendment pro-
hibiting the issuing of liquor licenses in the state.
134 Period of Organization
Wisconsin enacts a civil damage anti-liquor law.
A very stringent temperance bill is passed by the
House of Representatives in Massachusetts, but fails
to pass the Senate.
The people of Vermont decide against license by
an aggregate majority of nearly 8,000 votes. A
short prohibitory law is enacted.
A prohibitory bill is introduced in the New York
Legislature, but does not come to a, vote.
A temperance measure is defeated by a small ma-
jority in the Legislature of Indiana.
Wisconsin enacts a law which provides for the
enforcement of the law enacted the previous year.
A new departure in the establishment of the de-
gree in Temperance Society is made by the Tem-
plars of Honor and Temperance.
A law is enacted fining the natives of Hawaii $200
or two years* imprisonment for buying or selling
spirituous liquor.
The Government of the United States makes a
treaty with King Kamehameha HL of Hawaii, by
the terms of which he is forced to allow the intro-
duction and sale of intoxicating liquors.
The Cherokee Temperance Society reaches a
membership of 1,752.
CHAPTER V.
The First State-Wide Prohibition Wave —
1851-1869
FOR SEVERAL years prior to 1851, agitation
for Prohibition in several states had compelled
action by the state Legislatures, notably in
Oregon Territory, Delaware, Maine, New
Hampshire and Michigan,
The first state or territorial Prohibition law on
record was the law enacted in 1843 by the Territorial
Legislature of Oregon, which law was repealed in
1848. Three years after the Oregon law was enacted,
the Democratic Legislature of Maine in 1846 enacted
a law providing for Prohibition throughout the state.
This law was weak and difficult of enforcement. A
stronger law was passed by the Legislature of 1848
but was vetoed by the governor. Another effort to
enact a stronger prohibitory law in Maine was de-
feated in 1850 by a tie vote in the Senate.
The Legislature of Delaware passed a prohibitory
law in 1847, which was declared unconstitutional by
the Supreme Court of the state in the following year.
The New Hampshire Legislature submitted to the peo-
ple of the state in 1848 the question of the advisability
of enacting a prohibitory law, with the result that
three-fourths of the votes cast at the election ex-
pressed the desire of the people that such a law be
enacted. The Legislature of 1849 accordingly pro-
hibited the granting of licenses to sell wines and spir-
136 State Prohibition Efforts
ituous liquors except for medicinal, mechanical and
chemical purposes. The state of Michigan in 1850
adopted a constitutional amendment prohibiting the
issuing of retail liquor licenses in the state.
The effect of these several campaig^ns for state-
wide prohibitory legislation was to turn the attention
of the organized temperance forces throughout the
United States toward state Prohibition, and a cam-
paign to this end in practically every state in the
Union was organized in 1851. That year, therefore,
marks the beginning of the period of aggressive
organized effort throughout the states for prohibitory
legislation.
Between 1851 and 1856 the Legislatures of prac-
tically all the states were compelled to wrestle with
the Prohibition question. The Dow Prohibition law in
the state of Maine was enacted that year. It was re-
enacted with increased penalties in 1855, was repealed
in 1856, and re-enacted in 1857. The constitution of
Ohio was amended in 1851 so as to prohibit the
licensing of the liquor traffic throughout the state.
This provision of the constitution, however, was
never fully enforced and in later years the constitu-
tional amendment was circumvented by acts of the
Legislature placing a tax upon the traffic, which in
reality was nothing more nor less than a license fee.
The Legislature of Illinois passed a prohibitory law
in 1851, which did not stand the test of the courts.
The Illinois Legislature in 1855 submitted Prohibi-
tion to a vote of the people, with the result that the
law was rejected.
The first prohibitory law in Rhode Island was en-
acted in 1852. It was declared unconstitutional by the
State Prohibition Efforts 137
Supreme Court in 1853, whereupon the Legislature of
the state, in session the same year, passed another
prohibitory provision. The same was submitted to a
vote of the people and was ratified the same year.
Another prohibitory law was enacted by the Legisla-
ture of Rhode Island in 1855 and was repealed in
1863. The state of Vermont, which by a majority of
8,000 votes had refused to enact a license provision
in 1850, passed a prohibitory law in 1852 and the
same was ratified by vote of the people in 1853. The
Territorial Legislature of Minnesota enacted a pro-
hibitory' measure in 1852, as did also the Legislature
of the state of Massachusetts. Some of the provisions
of the Massachusetts law were declared unconstitu-
tional in 1854. The law was revised the following
year in order to stand the test of the courts and re-
mained on the statute books until it was finally re-
pealed in 1868. The Connecticut Legislature enacted
a prohibitory law in 1853, but the same was vetoed by
the governor. Another prohibitory statute was en-
acted the following year.
The first prohibitory measure in Indiana was passed
by the Legislature in 1853 and declared unconstitu-
tional by the Supreme Court of the state. Another
similar effort of the Legislature in 1855 met with the
same result. A prohibitory law was passed by the
Legislature of the state of Pennsylvania in 1846 but
was declared unconstitutional by the court. Eight
years later, in 1854, the Legislature submitted the
question to a vote of the people, with the result that
Prohibition was rejected by a majority of approxi-
mately 3,000 out of a total vote of 300,000. Another
prohibitory law enacted in Pennsylvania was repealed
138 State Prohibition Efforts
in 1856. After several efforts in different Legislatures
in New York state, a prohibitory law was enacted in
1854 by a goodly majority of both houses of the Leg-
islature, but the same was promptly vetoed by the
governor. The following year another prohibitory law
was enacted by the Legislature only to be declared
unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and repealed
in 1856. The New York Legislature of 1860 passed a
prohibitory measure which required the action of the
next Legislature. When it came up for action in the
next Legislature it passed the Senate but was defeated
in the House of Representatives.
The Legislature of Michigan in 1853 enacted a state
prohibitory law and then promptly repealed the same,
later in the same year submitting the question to a
popular vote with the result that Prohibition was re-
jected. In 1855, however, the Legislature enacted a
state-wide prohibitory statute without a referendum.
The Legislature of New Hampshire, which had en-
acted a prohibitory law against wines and spirits in
1849, enacted full Prohibition in 1855, as did also the
Legislature of the state of Delaware. The Delaware
law however, was repealed in 1857. The Iowa Legis-
lature in 1855 passed a resolution providing for state
Prohibition and submitted the same to a vote of the
people. The amendment was adopted by a good
majority, but was later thrown out by the courts on
a technicality. The Wisconsin Legislature, catching
the spirit of Prohibition which was sweeping the
country, passed a prohibitory law in 1855, but the
same was vetoed by the governor. The 'Legislature
promptly passed another prohibitory law which met
State Prohibition Efforts 139
the same fate. The Territorial Legislature of Ne-
braska enacted Prohibition in 1855.
The failure of state-wide Prohibition in most of
these states and the lack of stability and permanency
in the Prohibition movement, which had promised so
much between the years of 1851 and 1856, was due to
many causes, several of which stand out in bold relief.
In the first place, just at the time when Prohibition
activity and Prohibition legislation was at its height,
the attention of the moral reform forces of the nation
was turned to the slavery question, which reached its
crisis in the war of 1861-1865. The general demoraliz-
ing effect of the war itself upon most questions of
public morality was also a significant factor in turning
the tide which had been running so strongly in the
direction of temperance reform. The internal revenue
plan which was adopted as a war measure but which
indirectly turned over the policy of the government on
the liquor question to the dictation of financially and
politically powerful liquor interests which promptly
sprang into existence as a direct result of that policy,
was one of the very strongest factors in saddling the
liquor traffic on the nation for long years after the war.
Another factor which was undoubtedly responsible
to a considerable degree for wrecking the Prohibition
movement and causing the prompt repeal of pro-
hibitory laws that had been enacted in the several
states, was the partisan political turn which the Pro-
hibition movement took in the fifties. In most of the
states, in fact, the question of Prohibition became a
party issue, being championed by one political party
and opposed by another, thus dividing to a great de-
gree those whose sympathies were in favor of Prohi-
140 State Prohibition Efforts
bition but whose allegiance to party ties and whose
party loyalty in those stirring times was regarded as a
virtue of more importance even than their temperance
proclivities.
While all these and other causes tended to check
the Prohibition movement and promote wholesale re-
action in states which had adopted prohibitory laws, it
is undoubtedly true that the greatest and most im-
portant factor in the recession of the Prohibition wave
was that of the general attitude of the temperance
public which lost interest in the fight when Prohibition
laws had been placed upon the statute books and the
exciting campaigns for these laws were over. This loss
of interest resulted in apathy on the part of great
numbers of those who had been intensely interested in
the Prohibition campaigns and a natural falling off of
financial support and active cooperation with the
organized temperance movements which had suc-
ceeded in such a remarkable way in bringing the senti-
ment of the country to the point of demanding Prohi-
bition legislation, and upon which fell the growing
burden of insuring enforcement and permanency of
the laws.
The educational value of the Prohibition campaigns
for the decade preceding the war of 1861-1865 was
tremendous. Prohibition became the burning question
of the day — a subject of conversation everywhere.
Thus, in spite of what might have been only a tem-
porary recession of the wave of Prohibition activity,
there had been laid a strong foundation for the crys-
tallizing of the widespread sentiment which existed,
into public opinion strong enough to demand and se-
cure the enforcement and the permanency of pro-
State Prohibition Efforts 141
hibitory laws. Had there been an organized move-
ment, ready to grasp the opportunity presented and
thus conserve the remarkable results of a half century
of temperance work and church activity for sobriety,
the story of the state- wide Prohibition wave of 1851-
1869 might have been a different story.
Had the American Temperance Union retained the
strength and virility which characterized it in the
fourteen years following 1826, it would undoubtedly
have been able to meet the situation and turn the tide
at the close of the war in such a way as might have
promptly retrieved the defeat which came to the Pro-
hibition forces during the war period. In fact, it might
easily have made the war itself the occasion for a
sweeping Prohibition victory. The weakness of the
temperance forces, however, due to the apathy of the
temperance public, together with the lack of financial
support and cooperation, made it impossible for even
the strongest temperance movement of the day to cope
with the new phase of the problem which presented
itself. Even that part of the failure which was due to
the efforts to make Prohibition a partisan political
issue might have been overcome, since the general
trend of the movement represented by the American
Temperance Union was toward non-partisan co-
operative effort in behalf of temperance reform. This
fact is evidenced by the action of the convention of
1853, which was recorded as the first world's temper-
ance convention but which in reality was only a great
national convention of the temperance forces of the
United States. It is a significant fact that that con-
vention, representing the Prohibition forces of the
nation, in the very midst of the numerous fights for
i
4
142 State Prohibition Efforts
state-wide Prohibition in 1853, recorded the convic-
tion of its great body of delegates in the following
resolution, "that while we do not desire to disturb
political parties, we do intend to have and enforce a
law prohibiting the liquor manufacture and traffic as
a beverage, whatever may be the consequences to
poHtical parties, and we will vote accordingly." The
following further resolution by that important con-
vention is also significant: "Resolved, that the cause
of temperance is a question altogether separate and
apart from the question of women's rights, land re-
forms or any other, and that it must stand or fall
upon its own merits."
Rev. John Marsh, D.D., for thirty years the cor-
responding secretary of the American Temperance
Union, in his "Temperance Recollections," referring
to this remarkable convention and the resolutions from
which the above quotations are taken, discloses the
fact that in the discussion of the resolutions the ques-
tion arose in the convention as to the advisability of
mingling temperance and politics, whereupon one of
the delegates, the Rev. John Pierpont of Boston, made
the following declaration : "We ask at the hand of our
civil Legislatures a prohibitory law which we can not
get except at the hands of political action. It is, there-
fore, to me absurd to renounce or reject all pretensions
to mingle in politics. We mean to carry it to the polls
and to carry the polls in our favor. We do it upon the
principle that it is a moral question, paramount in
God's eye to questions of office-holding, of finance and
of policy. We have up to this time been timid before
poHticians. We have said, 'We did not mean you.'
We say now, 'We do mean you and will put you down
State Prohibition Efforts 143
if you do not give us what we ask.* These are our
sentiments."
The words of John Pierpont in the great temper-
ance convention of 1853 were prophetic. They directly
suggested the secret of success in the fight for Prohi-
bition in a free government. They set forth in terse
terms the platform on which Federal Constitutional
Prohibition became a reality sixty-six years later. If
they had formed the foundation of action by a strong
temperance organization in 1853, the Prohibition
movement of the fifties might have been a tide instead
of a wave.
The successful outcome of the anti-slavery move-
ment might easily have made the organization equip-
ment of that movement an asset of first value in an
aggressive fight for Prohibition, but leadership was
lacking. The strongly organized temperance move-
ment that had brought the temperance sentiment
almost to the pinnacle of power had been crippled and
was rapidly disintegrating, so that systematic propa-
ganda effort was impossible.
The difference between the follow-up efforts of the
government in military operations necessary to settle
a great moral question by force of arms, and the
follow-up efforts of the forces for Prohibition is
shown in a most striking way by the post-war activi-
ties of that remarkable period. For long years after
the war was over, the Federal government of the
United States took every precaution and spent mil-
lions upon millions of dollars to conserve the victories
of the war and to insure permanence of that for which
the Union forces fought. Many historians, in fact,
agree today that those efforts were too strong and too
144 State Prohibition Efforts
drastic. On the other hand, however, the forces upon
whom the Prohibition movement relied, considered
that the fight was over in state after state, when pro-
hibitory laws were enacted, and the absolutely essen-
tial features of conservation and development were
lacking.
The internal revenue bulwark of the liquor interests,
which had been reluctantly agreed to by President
Lincoln, could probably have been successfully stormed
and taken had the organized temperance forces been
kept intact after the Prohibition victories of the fifties
and during the period of the war. The internal reve-
nue act was purely a war measure, and the system
which it created did not become thoroughly entrenched
in governmental policy until many years after the war
was over. The American Temperance Union, with the
splendid organization which it had builded in the first
half of the period of organized activities, might have
rallied the moral forces of the nation in a successful
fight against it, had the Union been kept intact and
been able to operate at this crucial period as it had
operated in previous years.
In short, the record of the temperance reform
movement during that trying period of American his-
tory strongly indicates that had the temperance public
been fully awake to the conditions and the opportuni-
ties of their day, National Prohibition of the liquor
traffic in America might have been permanently estab-
lished in the United States fifty years before the Pro-
hibition amendment was finally made a part of the
Federal Constitution. The Eighteenth amendment to
the constitution might have been the sixteenth.
Among those whose names stand out with peculiar
State Prohibition Efforts 145
luster in connection with the temperance movement of
this period are : Abraham Lincoln, who as a member of
the Sons of Temperance strongly advocated absti-
nence and Prohibition; Major J. B. Merwin, who as
a representative of President Lincoln preached t he
gospel of temperance to the soldiers in the camps
during the Civil War; Wendell PhiUips and Henry
Ward Beecher, who had been so prominent in the
anti-slavery movement and who when the success of
that cause was assured became aggressively active in
the temperance reform ; Doctor Justin Edwards, who
preached the gospel of temperance in most of the states ;
and Horace Greeley, whose paper, both in editorial
and news columns, helped to promote the movement
for temperance reform.
The following chronology covers the principal items
of interest in connection with the temperance reform
during this period.
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1851-1869
1851
The Independent Order of Good Templars is or-
ganized at Saratoga, N. Y.
Illinois adopts State-wide Prohibition.
The Sons of Temperance report a membership of
250,000, "men only, 21 years of age, nearly all legal
voters."
The National Temperance Convention meets at
Saratoga, N. Y.
The State of Ohio votes an additional section in
146 State Prohibition Efforts
the Constitution forbidding the licensing of the liq-
uor traffic.
The Dow Prohibition law passes the Maine House
by a vote of 86 to 40 and the Senate by a vote of
18 to 10, and is signed by the Governor on June 2,
The law provides for the confiscation of liquors
stored for sale.
Missouri enacts a local option law.
Father Mathew .sails for Ireland on the steamer
Pacific, embarking at Philadelphia on November 8,
after an extended and eminently successful tour
throughout the United States.
Templars of Honor and Temperance are reported
as having been established in nearly every state and
in the Canadas.
1852
Abraham Lincoln joins the Sons of Temperance
at Springfield, 111.
A prohibitory law is passed in Rhode Island by a
Democratic Legislature on May 2.
Horace Greeley declares for the destruction of the
liquor traffic.
The Massachusetts Legislature enacts the "Maine
Law" in its most stringent form.
Vermont enacts a state-wide prohibitory law on
December 20.
Louisiana enacts a local option law.
The General Conference of the Methodist Church
endorses the action of "civil rulers to interpose the
authority of the state for the protection of society
against what we hold to be an enormous social
wrong, the manufacture and sale of intoxicating
liquors."
State Prohibition Efforts 147
The Territorial Legislature of Minnesota adopts
Prohibition and the same is ratified by the people.
A Prohibition law similar to the Maine law is
adopted by Massachusetts on May 22.
The Seventh-Day Baptists pass resolutions of
deep interest in the movement for State Prohibition
in a number of the commonwealths.
The ninth session of the National Division of the
Sons of Temperance delivers its first pronuncia
mento on Prohibition.
1853
The prohibitory law of Rhode Island is declared-
unconstitutional, whereupon the Legislature passes
another prohibitory law meeting court objections,
which law is submitted to a vote of the people and
ratified.
The Vermont prohibitory law is ratified by direct
vote of the people.
John B. Gough makes a temperance lecture tour
of England.
The Connecticut Legislature passes a prohibitory
law which is vetoed by Governor Seymour.
The Indiana Legislature passes a prohibitory law
with a provision that it be submitted to a vote of
the people ; the court declares the law unconstitu-
tional because of the submission clause.
The Legislature of Wisconsin votes to submit a
prohibitory liquor law to the people. No such law,
however, is drafted.
The General Conference of the Free Baptist
Church resolves "that the traffic in intoxicating liq-
uors is, in its nature, nearly allied to theft and rob-
bery," and stands for the principle of the Maine law.
148 State Prohibition Efforts
Thomas L. Carson of New York State, in the in-
terests of enforcement of anti-liquor laws, establishes
a paper called "The Carson League."
A civil damage anti-liquor law is enacted in In-
diana.
Rhode Island enacts a stronger prohibitory law.
The question of the repeal of the law is submitted to
the people with the result that the law is sustained.
The Michigan Legislature enacts a state-wide
prohibitory statute, which is promptly repealed.
Michigan submits Prohibition to a popular vote.
The Illinois prohibitory law is repealed and
license provisions re-enacted.
The Free Baptist Church declares against the
liquor traffic, endorses the Maine prohibitory law,
and declares it to be the duty of all Christians to
vote only for men who are in favor of Prohibition.
A World's Temperance Convention is held in
Metropolitan Hall, New York, September 6-10.
The Democratic party of Maine having decided to
oppose Prohibition, Anson P. Morrill bolts the
party and runs for Governor of the state on a Free
Soil and Prohibition platform.
The question of Prohibition becomes an issue in
the election in Washington, D. C, and the dry
ticket wins in the election by a vote of 1,963 to 991.
J. S. Lainhoff of The Good Samaritans becomes
dissatisfied with certain accounts issued by the
grand section, is defeated for office and withdraws
his section and organizes the "Junior Templars."
1854
Texas submits the question of the sale of liquors to
the counties.
State Prohibition Efforts 149
Connecticut passes a prohibitory law with the
provision for town agents to sell liquors for sacra-
mental, chemical and medicinal uses.
Some of the provisions of the Massachusetts
prohibitory law are declared unconstitutional by the
court.
Mississippi enacts a local option law.
The manufacture, sale or introduction of liquor
is prohibited west of the Mississippi river in Min-
nesota within the limits of the territory purchased
under the Sioux treaties.
Myron H. Clark, a Whig, is elected Governor of
New York on a Prohibition platform.
The New York Legislature charters the first
company organized to establish an asylum for in-
ebriates.
A Prohibition law is passed in the New York
Legislature by a vote of 21 to 11 in the Senate and
78 to 42 in the House, but the measure is vetoed by
Governor Seymour.
The Prohibition law submitted to a vote of the
people in Pennsylvania is defeated by a majority of
3,000 in a total vote of 300,000.
A civil damage anti-liquor law is enacted in Ohio,
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church declares for prohibitory laws.
The General Eldership of the Church of God
strongly approves of the movement to secure prO'
hibitory laws in all the states.
An effort is made at Cincinnati to establish a na-
tional section of the Cadets of Temperance on Sep-
tember 13, but the organization effected soon dis-
bands.
150 State Prohibition Efforts
1855
The militia of Illinois is called out in the city of
Chicago to suppress a riot occasioned by the agita-
tion of the license question.
The militia is called out in Maine to prevent a
crowd from taking possession of certain liquors held
by the officials.
Pennsylvania prohibits the sale of liquors to be
drunk on the premises.
The prohibitory law of Massachusetts is thor-
oughly revised to stand the test of the courts.
The prohibitory law of Maine is re-enacted by the
Legislature and its penalties increased.
Another prohibitory law is passed in Rhode
Island.
New Hampshire enacts a State Prohibition law
similar to that of the State of Maine.
The Legislature of Iowa submits State Prohibi-
tion to a vote of the people; the law is adopted by
a majority of 2,910. The submission clause is de-
clared unconstitutional, but the rest of the law is
upheld.
The Indiana Legislature passes a State Prohibi-
tion law which is made void by the Supreme Court.
The sale of liquor to Indians is prohibited in
Washington territory.
The Illinois Legislature enacts a prohibitory dram
drinking law which is rejected by vote of the people.
Prohibition is adopted by the Legislature of Wis-
consin, but the measure is twice vetoed.
Delaware enacts a prohibitory law.
I
State Prohibition Efforts 151
Michigan enacts Prohibition, without a referen-
dum.
The Synod of the Moravian Church declares for
all proper measures for the suppression of intem-
perance.
A prohibitory law is adopted by the Legislature
of New York by a joint vote of 101 to 56 and be-
comes a law on April 9. The same is declared un-
constitutional by the courts.
The Territorial Legislature of Nebraska enacts a
prohibitory law.
The Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars is organized as the
supreme head of the order, by the representatives
of ten Grand Lodges, which meet for the purpose at
Cleveland, Ohio.
The new national division of the Sons of Temper-
ance of Great Britain and Ireland is organized on
April 26.
Many Sons of Temperance advocates, after great
victories achieved, become indifferent to enforce-
ment of law and the cause suffers thereby.
1856
The local option law of Texas is repealed by the
enactment of a license law.
The Maine prohibitory law is repealed by the en-
actment of a license provision.
The Chickasaw Nation prohibits intoxicating liq-
uor within its territory.
The Sons of Temperance inaugurate the move-
ment for National Constitutional Prohibition. (The
amendment is adopted 63 years later.)
152 State Prohibition Efforts
The prohibitory law of Pennsylvania is repealed.
The prohibitory law of New York is repealed.
A new temperance society is organized in Boston.
Rev. John Chaney of Fartnington, Maine, is
mobbed in his own town for starting a temperance
movement.
The prohibitory law of Rhode Island is streng^th-
ened.
1857
The Sons of Temperance in New York endorse the
scheme for a constitutional amendment prohibiting
the liquor traffic.
The Supreme Court of Iowa declares the state
prohibitory law unconstitutional on a technicality,
whereupon the State Legislature enacts a statutory
state-wide prohibitory provision.
The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends ad-
vises women Friends to exclude liquors from the
social circle.
New York enacts a complete license law.
The Choctaw Nation prohibits intoxicating liquor
within its territory.
The Prohibition law of Delaware is repealed.
The State of Maine re-enacts a state prohibitory
law.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church declares that
the sale and use of intoxicating liquors as beverages
deserves church discipline and directs sessions to
act accordingly.
1858
Iowa passes the so-called "wine and beer clause"
in the law permitting the sale of such liquors made
from Iowa products.
State Prohibition Efforts 153
The Maine Legislature submits a prohibitory
amendment to a vote of the people, who adopt the
law by a vote of 28,864 to 5,942.
The United Presbyterian Church is organized and
in the first General Assembly resolves against the
liquor traffic and liquor drinking.
Indiana repeals the prohibitory law of 1855, which
had been declared unconstitutional.
The first session of the Right Worthy Grand
Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars
meets in Hamilton, Canada.
The Seventh-Day Baptists pronounce the liquor
license system to be immoral in its tendency and de-
structive to the best interests of the community,
and urge the enactment of prohibitory laws.
The New York Witness publishes, May 29, an in-
teresting history of the temperance movement.
The prohibitory law of Nebraska is repealed by
the enactment of a license provision.
1859
Kansas enacts a law prohibiting the sale of liquor
to drunkards and also to married men against the
known wishes of their wives.
The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church opposes the manufacture and vending of in-
toxicating liquors and urges total abstinence.
Louisiana prohibits the licensing of free negroes
to keep coflFee houses, billiard tables or retail stores
where spirituous liquors are sold.
1860
President-elect Abraham Lincoln declines a re-
quest to furnish liquors to the national committee
154 State Prohibition Efforts
sent to inform him of his nomination to the Presi-
dency; he returns unopened the hampers of wines
and liquors sent to him.
The General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church protests against the renting of build-
ings for the sale of intoxicating drinks and the
practice of selling grain where it is known to be used
for the manufacture of such liquors, and urges all
ministers and members to co-operate for securing
in their several states the Prohibition of the traffic
in intoxicating liquors.
The Legislature of New York passes a provision
for Constitutional Prohibition which requires action
by the next session.
The results of investigations on alcohol by Lalle-
mand, Perrin and Duroy are first published.
There are 1,269 breweries in the United States,
which produce 3,812,346 barrels of beer.
1861
The New York Senate by a vote of 69 to 33 ap-
proves the joint resolution providing for a constitu-
tional prohibitory amendment.
President Lincoln signs an act of Congress for-
bidding the selling or giving of intoxicating drinks
to soldiers.
Generals Butler, McClellan and Banks issue or-
ders expelling all liquors from their respective com-
mands.
A gill of whisky is allowed by Congress to each
man in the navy in case of excessive fatigue and
exposure.
Aggressive efforts to place Prohibition in the re-
vised Constitution of New York State fail.
State Prohibition Efforts 155
Congress greatly increases the tax on intoxicating
liquors by an elaborate tax system.
The Legislature of Alabama enacts sixteen local
prohibitory laws and repeals several such laws
formerly enacted.
The Revised Army Regulations, issued by Secre-
tary of War Simon Cameron, August 10, re-estab-
lish a ration of one gill of whisky per man daily,
in case of excessive fatigue or severe exposure.
The disaster of Bull Run is credited largely to
account of drunkenness.
An elaborate system of liquor taxation is enacted
by a special session of the Thirty-seventh Congress.
1862
A joint resolution passed by both houses of Con-
gress provides that any officer found guilty of ha-
bitual drunkenness shall immediately be dismissed
from the service.
The Act of March 19 provides for a board of of-
ficers to prepare a list of articles to be sold by sut-
lers, and further provides "that no intoxicating liq-
uors shall at any time be contained therein, or the
sale of such liquors authorized."
General McClellan on June 19 issues an order for
the immediate discontinuance of the spirit ration,
and for hot coffee to be served after reveille.
General Benjamin F. Butler first prohibits the
presence in camp of any intoxicating liquor what-
ever, and forbids all use of it in his own quarters.
Messrs. Sargent, Harrison and Woodruff, mem-
bers of the United States House of Representatives,
propose amendments to the internal revenue meas-
156 State Prohibition Efforts
ure in Congress which would limit the licensing of
the liquor traffic to territory where the state and
local authorities recognize the traffic as a lawful one.
United States Senator Henry Wilson of Massa-
chusetts, on May 27, attacks the principle of licens-
ing the retail liquor traffic, in the Senate, stating
that "no man in this country should have a license
from the Federal Government to sell intoxicating
liquors. . . . The Federal Government ought not
to derive a revenue from the retail of intoxicating
drinks." This attack by Senator Wilson is sec-
onded by Senator Pomeroy of Kansas.
Senator Charles Sumner suggests an amendment
to the license and internal revenue measure of 1862,
providing that no liquor license shall be granted
within any state or territory where liquor is not
licensed by local laws.
Congress by Act of February 13 makes it a crime
punishable by fine and imprisonment to sell liquors
to Indians under the care of a superintendent or an
agent, whether on or oflF the reservation.
An internal revenue tax measure, including taxes
on liquors, is inroduced in the House of Representa-
tives of the United States by Anson P. Morrill of
Maine.
Senator William Pitt Fessenden of Maine, a
champion of Prohibition, chairman of the Ways and
Means Committee, sponsors an internal revenue
measure in the Senate. The measure is passed by
Congress and approved on July 1.
Congress, on July 14, forbids the sale of liquor to
soldiers and volunteers in the District of Columbia.
State Prohibition Efforts 157
In July Congress abolishes entirely the naval
spirit ration.
The United States Brewers' Association is organ-
ized on November 12 in the city of New York.
Congress passes a law declaring that the spirit
ration in the navy shall cease forever after Septem-
ber 1.
1863
The prohibitory law of Rhode Island is repealed
by the enactment of a license law.
A demand of the United States Brewers' Asso-
ciation causes the government to reduce the tax on
beer from $1 to 60 cents a barrel.
A million copies of an address prepared by E. C.
Delavan of New York and endorsed by such men
as General Winfield Scott and General Dix, are dis-
tributed among the troops through the army posts.
1864
The Binghamton, N. Y., asylum for inebriates,
said to be the first of its kind, is established through
the efforts of Dr. J. E. Turner of Maine.
Dr. B. W. Richardson begins his research on ef-
fects of alcohol on the human system.
The Synod of the Moravian Church strongly
urges efforts for the uprooting of the evil of intem-
perance.
The United Presbyterian General Assembly in-
sists that the rule of total abstinence be enforced
"as rigorously as the honor of religion and the cause
of temperance demands."
The internal revenue measure is amended three
times, raising the tax on whisky to 60 cents, $1.50
and $2, respectively. The effect of this measure
I
158 State Prohibition Efforts
is to increase distillation enormously, speculation
runs riot and vast fortunes are made.
Congress enacts a drastic search and seizure law
to prevent the selling of intoxicating liquors in In-
dian countries.
1865
The Presbyterian General Assembly declares that
liquor makers and sellers shall be excluded from
membership in the church.
The fifth National Temperance Convention at
Saratoga, N. Y., composed of 325 delegates from 25
states, resolves to form a national society and estab-
lish a publishing house under the name of "The Na-
tional Temperance Society and Publication House,"
with headquarters in New York City.
The Order of Friends of Temperance is organized.
When the Civil War closes and 200,000 Union sol-
diers assemble for review in Washington, D. C, no
liquor is allowed to be sold in the national capital
and drunkenness is entirely absent from the cele-
bration.
Local option is added to the license law of Con-
necticut.
The second session of the Right Worthy Grand
Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars
is held in London, Canada.
"The Youth's Temperance Advocate" is merged
into "The Youth's Temperance Banner."
The special revenue commission reports to Con-
gress as follows: "The immediate effect of the en-
actment of the first three and successive rates of
duty was to cause an almost entire suspension of the
State Prohibition Efforts 159
business of distilling", which was resumed again with
great activity as soon as an advance in the rate of
tax in each instance became probable. The stock
of whisky and high wines accumulated in the coun-
try under this course of procedure was without
precedent, and Congress, by its refusal to make the
advance in taxation in any instance retroactive, vir-
tually legislated for the benefit of the distillers and
speculators rather than for the Treasury and the
Government."
David A. Wells, Commissioner of Internal Reve-
nue, states in a public address that "By statistical
reports it has been proven that 6,000,000 barrels of
beer are brewed annually, while only 2,500,000 pay
tax."
The native Legislature of Hawaii repeals the law
which forbids the selling of liquor to natives. King
Kamehameha V. vetoes the measure.
1866
The Legislature of Maryland passes a bill to en-
force strict observance of Sunday.
The Kansas Legislature enacts a state prohibitory
statute.
The General Synod of the Lutheran Church en-
dorses the efforts for the suppression of intemper-
ance.
More stringent provisions are added to the liquor
tax law in Ohio.
The Seventh-Day Baptists declare vigorous war
against intemperance.
The Alabama Legislature enacts several local Pro-
hibition laws.
160 State Prohibition Efforts
The National Division of the Sons of Temperance
abolishes all restrictions on the entrance of colored
people into the order, by an ordinance adopted at
Montreal.
The office of sutler is abolished by the Act of
Congress approved July 28 ; trading posts are estab-
lished instead.
The Internal Revenue Act of 1862 is amended, by
the Act of July 13. so as to change the "license" of
the retailer into a "tax" and merely issue a receipt
for the money. The rate for retail liquor dealers is
fixed at $25 and for retail dealers in malt liquors at
$20.
The special commissioner of revenue reports to
Congress that many and perhaps the majority of the
leading distillers of the country are satisfied with
the present excise system and strongly adverse to
any alteration of it.
In February an official report is presented in Con-
gress showing that the effect of the license regula-
tions has been to greatly increase the retail price
of whisky.
1867
The state temperance convention in Pennsylvania
declares for independent voting on the liquor ques-
tion.
The Congressional Temperance Society is revived
by Senator Henry Wilson of Massachusetts.
The National Brewers' Congress at Chicago de-
clares for personal liberty, and against all candi-
dates, of whatever party, who are in any way dis-
posed toward the total abstinence cause.
State Prohibition Efforts 161
The Maine Legislature passes a law providing for
the enforcement of Prohibition by the appointment
of a state constable.
Kansas enacts Prohibition for the unorganized
counties of the state,
A committee of the Massachusetts Legislature un-
der the leadership of ex-Governor Andrew makes an
investigation of the liquor traffic in the state.
The Massachusetts State Board of Charities de-
clares that intemperance is the chief reason for pau-
perism.
Additional restrictions are placed in the Ohio liq-
uor tax law.
The inebriate asylum at Binghamton, N. Y., is
deeded to the State of New York, to become a gen-
eral insane asylum.
An inebriate asylum is established by Dr. Blan-
chard in Brooklyn, N. Y.
The Chicago Washingtonian Home is opened.
The Pennsylvania Grand Lodge of Good Templars
at Pittsburgh, on June 17, declares in favor of voting
for temperance candidates.
Connecticut enacts a license law and holds the
same in suspense until the next session of the Leg-
islature, which fails to concur.
The Pennsylvania State Temperance Convention,
held at Harrisburg in February, declares for a non-
partisan attitude toward candidates favorable to the
liquor interests.
Major General Halleck recommends to General U.
S. Grant that the newly - acquired Territory of
Alaska be declared to be "Indian country" in order
to prevent the introduction of intoxicating liquors.
162 State Prohibition Efforts
The Secretary of the Treasury on June 5 issues
instructions to prevent the shipment of ardent spir-
its to the Territory of Alaska.
1868
The National Temperance Convention is held in
Cleveland, Ohio.
The General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church reaffirms its strong position in favor
of the temperance reform, declaring against all
classes of intoxicating liquors and recommends the
appointment of preachers in the Annual Conference
to devote themselves exclusively to the temperance
reform.
The Massachusetts prohibitory law is repealed
largely as a result of the investigation of 1867, with
many misleading conclusions reached as a result.
The General Synod of the Lutheran Church de-
clares against the licensed traffic in intoxicating
liquors.
The Legislature of Tennessee prohibits the grant-
ing of licenses within six miles of a blast furnace.
C. H. Van Wyck, chairman of the committee on
retrenchment, makes a report to Congress in which
he touches on the extensive frauds in the collection
and payment of taxes on intoxicating liquors, and
states that an honest payment of the tax on whisky
would realize $200,000,000, whereas but little over
$25,000,000 is received.
Congress authorizes the President of the United
States to prohibit the liquor traffic in the Territory
of Alaska.
Congress adopts the recommendation of the reve-
nue commission and reduces the tax on spirits from
$2 to 50 cents.
CHAPTER VI
The Partisan Movement Against the Liquor
Traffic— 1869-1893
THE years following the close of the war of
1861-1865 were not such as to encourage the
friends of temperance reform. The American
Temperance Union, which had been the great
central temperance organization for almost forty years,
had been greatly weakened by reason of the numerous
temperance organizations which sprang into existence
between 1840 and 1852, all of which tended to take
from the Union financial support and constituency.
While this was true to a greater or lesser degree of
all the new temperance organizations and societies, it
was especially true in regard to the Independent Order
of Good Templars, which was organized in 1851 and
which gradually developed into a movement with a
larger membership and a far greater influence than any
of the numerous similar movements which had pre-
ceded it.
The American Temperance Union, as an organiza-
tion, was on the decline before the Independent Order
of Good Templars was formed. After the formation
of that order the Union continued to lose financial
support and cooperation even more rapidly than before
and the effect of the war period was such as to com-
plete the work of disintegration, so that the Union
went out of existence in 1865 or rather what was left
of it was merged into a new organization similar in
164 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
method and purpose known as the National Temper-
ance Society, the prime mover in the organization of
which was the Hon. William E. Dodge, ex-member
of Congress from New York state.
The Prohibition movement had suffered a very de-
cided reaction, and the temperance leaders were put to
their wits' end to know just what to do and how to
turn the tide. Most such leaders, in that day, were
connected in one way or another with the Good Tem-
plars, which by 1867 had acquired a membership of
almost half a million. The National Temperance
Society, which had been organized in 1865, was
rapidly growing into a position of strength and in-
fluence as a literature distributing agency, but it had
not yet become a strong political force.
Under such circumstances it was perfectly natural
that the initiative in connection with any new con-
certed effort of the temperance forces should arise in
the Independent Order of Good Templars.
The National Grand Lodge of the Good Templar
order, which met at Detroit in May, 1867, took up the
question of political activity in behalf of temperance
reform. A committee appointed for the purpose
brought in a report which was not satisfactory. After
considerable discussion, Mr. J. A. Spencer brought in
a substitute for the committee report, recommending
the "formation of political leagues for the support of
present party candidates who are out and out Prohi-
bitionists, and who will enforce the laws against the
liquor traffic, and to nominate and support candidates
of their own where acceptable candidates are not pre-
sented by the party."
This substitute was accepted by the committee and
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 165
adopted as the expression of the convention. It is of
interest to note that the attitude thus taken by the
Independent Order of Good Templars in 1867 was in
part practically the same as that taken by the Anti-
Saloon League more than a quarter of a century later.
Had the Good Templars stuck to the doctrine thus
enunciated and had they succeeded in organizing a
political movement of a non-partisan character, the
course of the Prohibition movement during the next
quarter of a century might have been different. This,
however, was not to happen.
The Prohibition Party
The annual convention of the National Grand Lodge
of the Independent Order of Good Templars met in
Richmond, Ind., in 1868 and adopted the following
resolution : "Whereas, We are convinced of the
absolute necessity of political action in order to the
uniform and ultimate success of the temperance re-
form, and whereas it is evident that neither of the
now existing parties will formally adopt our principles,
therefore resolved, that we recommend to the temper-
ance people of the country the organization of a new
political party whose platform and principles shall
contain prohibition of the manufacture, importation
and sale of intoxicating liquors to be used as a bev-
erage."
On July 24, 1869, at Mansfield, Ohio, there was
formed a state Prohibition party which nominated a
ticket. This was the first such active party organiza-
tion, although a party under the name had been
organized in Illinois in 1867 and a similar party had
been organiried in Midiigan the same year. Neither
166 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
the Illinois nor the Michigan parties, however, had
gone so far as to place a ticket in the field.
The National Convention of the Grand Lodge of
Good Templars held at Oswego, N. Y., in May, 1869,
completed the arrangements for the formation of a
national Prohibition party by appointing a committee
which was instructed to summon a national conven-
tion for that purpose. The Good Templar committee
call was issued and as a result a convention of five
hundred delegates met in Chicago September 1, 1869,
and organized the National Prohibition Party. Thus
was born the movement which was destined to place a
Prohibition party ticket in the field in every presi-
dential election for the next half century.
The first national Prohibition party ticket was put
in the field in the presidential campaign of 1872. It
was headed by John Black, who received a total of
5,607 votes for President. Four years later, in 1876,
the party ticket headed by Green Clay Smith received
9,737 votes. Hon. Neal Dow was the presidential can-
didate of the party in 1880, receiving 10,366 votes.
Hon. John P. St. John as a candidate in 1884 received
151,809 votes. Clinton B. Fisk, who was the standard-
bearer in 1888, received 249,945 votes. John Bidwell,
who was the candidate in 1892, received a total of
270,710 votes, which was the largest number ever cast
for a presidential candidate on the Prohibition ticket
either before or after that date.
Joshua Levering in 1896 received 132,871 votes,
while the "Broad-Gauge" faction, which split off from
the Prohibition party that year and formed the Na-
tional party, polled a total of 13,757 votes. John G.
Woolley, the presidential candidate of the party in
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 167
1900, polled 209,936 votes, while the Union Reform
party, which was the successor to the National party,
polled 5,690 votes. Silas C. Swallow, the standard-
bearer of the party in 1904, polled 258,536 votes.
Eugene Chafin, who was the candidate of the party
in the presidential elections of both 1908 and 1912.
received 253,840 votes in the campaign of 1908 and
208,923 votes in the campaign of 1912, while J. Frank
Hanly, who headed the ticket in 1916, received 220,506
votes. The name of the party was changed in 1876 to
"The National Prohibition Reform Party." Frances
E. Willard and others in 1881 formed the "Home Pro-
tection Party," which was merged with the National
Prohibition Reform party in 1882 under the name of
"The Prohibition Home Protection Party." At the
national convention of 1884, however, the old name
was revived and from that time on the party went
under the name of the National Prohibition Party.
The National Prohibition party marked an epoch
in the history of the temperance reform movement in
America. It pioneered the path of political activity
for the Prohibition movement, and although it failed
to accomplish its original purpose it certainly helped
to clear the way for the non-partisan political activity
which in later years succeeded in securing what the
party as such could not secure. The Prohibition party,
moreover, sounded the alarm against the growing
liquor traffic. Its clarion call for aggressive political
action was largely responsible for breaking down the
ancient doctrine that the temperance movement and
political activity should be kept separate, which doc-
trine had been preached by temperance advocates for
half a century. In this respect, in fact, the Prohibition
168 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
party jumped from one extreme to the other. The
organized temperance movements prior to 1869 had
been both non-partisan and non-political. The efforts
of many of the leaders of the American Temperance
Union and the Good Templars of the fifties and six-
ties were to evolve a movement that would be political
and yet non-partisan. The Prohibition party was an
attempt at both political and partisan action.
The experience of the Prohibition party demon-
strated the fact that even friends of Prohibition and
Christian voters who are favorable to Prohibition
refuse nevertheless to leave the political party with
which they are aflfiliated and vote for a new party,
although that party may advocate the thing in which
they believe. This fact undoubtedly had its effect upon
the men who later saw the possibilities and opportuni-
ties for a great non-partisan political movement which
would enable men to remain in their own political
parties and yet give political expression to their Pro-
hibition sentiments.
The founders of the Prohibition party were not
politicians; they were crusaders. They did not draw
the line of distinction between principle and policy as
applied to party government in the United States.
Partyism, in the very nature of the case, is opportun-
ism. Principle is something different. Great funda-
mental principles do not originate and are not devel-
oped in political party councils. They originate out-
side such councils and through the process of agitation
and education they gradually grow into what becomes
so acceptable to the public that parties finally declare
for them in order to attract the many rather than
the few.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 169
Political parties are of many ideas ; champion many
causes, selected with a view to those most likely to
attract the largest number of voters. The Prohibition
party, on the other hand, was in reality a movement
with one idea. Many of the national platforms of the
Prohibition party committed it to numerous proposi-
tions other than Prohibition, but the one thing which
counted with those who voted the ticket and the one
policy of the platform which was the keystone of the
arch, was Prohibition.
Political parties are not consistent; they change
front, often standing openly for that which they had
previously disavowed. The Prohibition party has been
consistent. The one principle for which it stood in
1869 has been upon its banners in every campaign. The
Prohibition party was born with one idea. It was
launched for one purpose. It was committed to one
great fundamental principle. Its leaders never knew
the meaning of policy, prudence, or diplomacy. It
never changed its fundamental platform. For more
than fifty years it held the banner of Prohibition in
every national election, reminding friend and foe alike
that whatever might be its fate as a party, the liquor
problem would never be settled until it was settled by
Prohibition.
The Prohibition party was a demand to right a
great wrong by political revolution rather than by
political evolution. Strictly speaking, the Prohibition
party was a political party in name only. It was not a
party ; it was a crusade.
The Woman^s Christian Temperance Union
The Woman's Crusade of 1873 and the organizaticm
170 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in 1874
marked the entrance into the active movement for
temperance reform of the women of America. Just
twenty years before the Woman's Crusade, at the great
temperance convention in New York city, women had
been practically read out of the Prohibition movement.
The action of the Independent Order of Good Tem-
plars, however, which opened its doors to women as
well as men, similar action on the part of the Sons of
Temperance and other temperance organizations as
well as the general tendency of the times, gradually
developed the demand for the assistance of women in
the fight against the liquor traffic which up to 1873
had not proved so successful that the man-controlled
movements prior to that time could boast of any
particular monopoly of successful operations.
The Woman's Crusade has been generally recog-
nized as having been started in Hillsboro, Ohio, on
December 24, 1873. It was the direct result of a
meeting held in Hillsboro and addressed by Dr. Dio
Lewis on the night of December 23. Doctor Lewis,
then on the lecture platform, had spoken in Hillsboro
the night before and had been persuaded to stay for a
second address in which he told of the unsuccessful
effort of his mother and some of her friends to get
rid of the saloon in their community by prayer and
visitation. His story appealed to the women of Hills-
boro who decided to attempt such a movement, and the
following day saw the Christian women of that village,
headed by Mother Thompson, begin what was destined
to sweep the country as a mighty moral crusade, and
out of which was to spring in the following year the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union. -
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 171
On the evening of December 14, just nine days
before Doctor Lewis' remarkable meeting in Hillsboro,
he had made a similar appeal at Fredonia, New York,
with the result that a hundred women of that city,
under the leadership of Mrs. Barker, began a praying
crusade to close the saloons. A similar movement was
also started in Jamestown, New York, after an address
by Doctor Lewis on December 17.
The principal point of diflference between these
efforts in New York and the one at Hillsboro, Ohio,
was that the initial New York crusade did not succeed
in closing the saloons in Fredonia and Jamestown,
while the Hillsboro movement did succeed in a most
remarkable manner.
The story of the crusade as it rapidly spread into
other towns and cities in Ohio and later into the cities
and towns of other states is one of the most interesting
and inspiring stories of all reform history, while the
history of the great women's organization of which
the Crusade was the forerunner reads like a book of
chapters from the Acts of the Apostles.
From the time of the birth of the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union at the convention in Cleveland in
1874 until the presidential campaign of 1880, the
society was a non-partisan organization. There had
been no connection whatsoever between the Union
and the Prohibition party. The women, however,
had been led to believe that the presidential candi-
date on the Republican ticket in 1880, James A.
Garfield, was a true friend of the temperance cause.
After the election and inauguration, however. Miss
Willard called upon the President at the White House.
The reception whirh Miss Willard received on thai
172 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
occasion led her to believe that neither the President
nor the party which he represented were vitally in-
terested in the Prohibition movement. Consequently,
upon her return to Chicago she set about the work of
organizing a new political party, and in 1881 with the
cooperation of others launched the "Home Protection
Party," which was later merged into the National Pro-
hibition party.
In 1883, largely as a result of the efforts of Miss
Willard, who had become national president in 1879,
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in its an-
nual convention in Detroit passed the following reso-
lution: "Resolved, That we lend our influence to that
party, by whatever name called, which shall furnish
the best embodiment of Prohibition principles and will
most surely protect our homes. Resolved, That effort
be made to secure in each state and territory, non-
partisan Prohibition conventions of men and women
before the party nominating conventions of 1884 are
held. At such conventions, efforts shall be made to
unite electors in declarations that they will vote with
no party that has not Prohibition in its platform.
These conventions shall adjourn to meet after the last
nominating convention has been held."
This resolution was presented to the four party con-
ventions in 1884, but the appeal was rejected in all
cases except that of the National Prohibition party
which met at Pittsburgh and in which the resolution
was cordially received and promptly adopted. At the
national convention of the Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union which met in St. Louis later in the y«ar
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 173
1884, the Union endorsed and pledged itself to support
the Prohibition party, by a vote of 195 to 48.
Opposition to committing the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union to partisan activity was led by
Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, the president of the Iowa State
Woman's Christian Temperance Union, a close per-
sonal friend of Miss Willard, and one of the strongest
leaders in the national organization. In the national
convention of the Union at Philadelphia in 1885 the
party resolution was adopted by a vote of 245 to 30,
Mrs. Foster presenting at the time a protest signed by
herself and 26 other members of the organization.
The vote on a similar resolution at the Minneapolis
convention in 1886 was 241 to 42, at which time the
Union passed a by-law providing that thereafter in
national conventions the vote on any resolution as to
the attitude of the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union toward political parties should be decided with-
out discussion. This action was rescinded two years
later.
Mrs. Foster offered a resolution at the Nashville
convention declaring that the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union is non-sectarian in religious mat-
ters and non-partisan in political work, but the reso-
lution was defeated. In the campaign of 1888 Mrs.
Foster and the representatives of the so-called "Anti-
Saloon Association" requested the Republican party
to insert a temperance plank in its national platform,
with the result that the following plank was adopted :
"Resolved, That the first concern of all good govern-
ment is the virtue and sobriety of the people and the
purity of the home. The Republican party cordially
sympathizes with all wise and well-directed efforts for
174 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
the promotion of temperance and morality." In this
campaign Mrs. Foster became the chairman of the
Woman's National Republican committee.
Mrs. Foster with several other women of the Iowa
delegation walked out of the convention of the Wom-
an's Christian Temperance Union in 1889 and organ-
ized, the following year, the Non-Partisan Woman's
Christian Temperance Union, which for many years
was conducted as a separate society, but which after
the death of Mrs. Foster was reunited with the mother
organization. From 1884 until after the death of Miss
Willard, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
continued to be a partisan organization, throwing its
influence and support in every possible way to the
Prohibition party.
In 1901 when the national convention of the Union
met at Fort Worth, Texas, a resolution expressing
sympathy and cooperation with the Prohibition party
aroused such opposition that it was finally withdrawn
and the following resolution substituted: "We desire
to express gratitude to the men who at the ballot box
represent the principles we are working to see incor-
porated in the government." This resolution was
adopted. From that time forward the activities of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union as an organi-
zation were recognized generally as being of a non-
partisan character.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was one
of the most remarkable temperance organizations of
the century. Its contribution to the temperance reform
can never be fully estimated. The Woman's Christian
Temperance Union pioneered the movement for equal
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 175
suffrage which was destined not only to play a great
part in numerous state and local Prohibition cam-
paigns, but which in its final consummation as a part
of the Federal Constitution so soon after the success
of the National Prohibition movement was destined to
insure the permanency of that movement, since with
the women of the nation enfranchised the repeal of
the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution is next
to impossible. The Woman's Christian Temperance
Union was the real pioneer of the general movement
that in less than half a century has shown such re-
markable results in the effort to purify the politics of
the nation. It enlisted the Christian women of the
nation in moral warfare not only against the saloon,
but against impurity and corruption in politics by
bringing to bear an organized public sentiment that
compelled action.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union through
the leadership of Mrs. Mary H. Hunt was largely
responsible for securing scientific temperance instruc-
tion in the public schools in most of the states between
1882 and 1888, which resulted in bringing up a gen-
eration of men as well as women schooled in the
knowledge of the evil effects of alcohol upon the
human body and mind. But for this remarkable
achievement, the Prohibition victories of the first two
decades of the twentieth century would have been
practically impossible.
The organization of the Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union demonstrated for the first time in his-
tory the possibilities of organized Christian woman-
hood in a crusade in behalf of moral reform. Aside
from the church itself, of which it was the child, the
176 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
Woman's Christian Temperance Union without ques-
tion, in most respects, proved to be one of the greatest
moral forces in social reform that the world has
ever seen.
The Second State Prohibition Wave
Between the years 1880 and 1890 what has been
known as the second great state-wide Prohibition
wave swept the country. During this eventful period
not so many states adopted Prohibition as had done so
in the first state-wide Prohibition movement of the
fifties, yet it is safe to say that more states were
actively involved in the movement and more state leg-
islative bodies were called upon to vote directly upon
the Prohibition question than during the former
period. Moreover, a larger number of state legisla-
tures submitted the question of Prohibition in the
form of state constitutional amendments and the
question was voted on directly by the people in more
states than during any similar period in the nation's
history. The question, in fact, was a very prominent
one in the legislative sessions of three-fourths of the
states and territories.
The state-wide Prohibition movement of the eighties
started in the state of Kansas, the legislature submit-
ting the question in 1879 and the people adopting the
amendment in the fall election of 1880. The legisla-
ture of Iowa, by favorable action in the two successive
sessions of 1880 and 1882 submitted a prohibitory
amendment to a vote of the people. The amendment
was adopted only to be declared unconstitutional by
the courts. A similar amendment submitted to a vote
of the people in North Carolina in 1881 was rejected
at the polls by a substantial majority.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 177
A resolution to submit a prohibitory amendment
was defeated in the Ohio legislature in 1882 but was
passed in 1883 and the same was submitted to the
voters of the state during the same year along with
another constitutional amendment providing for li-
cense, the no-license provision of the state constitu-
tion adopted in 1851 still being in force. Accordingly
at the general election in Ohio in the fall of 1883 the
people had an opportunity to express themselves both
ways, with the result that the license amendment was
lost by almost 100,000 majority, while the prohibitory
amendment received 323,189 votes in favor and
240,975 against its adoption. While on the face of the
returns the prohibitory amendment had more than
82,000 majority in its favor it failed of enactment by
virtue of the provision which required a majority of
all votes cast at the election.
The Maine legislature submitted a prohibitory
amendment to the people in 1883. The vote was taken
in 1884 with the result that the amendment was
adopted and has remained in the constitution of that
state to the present time. Rhode Island, moreover,
again adopted constitutional Prohibition in 1886. The
question, however, was submitted by the legislature
again in 1889 with the result that the amendment was
repealed by vote of the people.
An effort to secure a prohibitory amendment reso-
lution in the legislature of Michigan in 1881 failed of
the necessary two-thirds vote although the vote in the
House was 63 to 33 and the vote in the Senate 21
to 10. A similar resolution was defeated in 1883, but
the legislature of 1887 submitted the amendment
r
178 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
which, however, was rejected by the people at the polls,
A prohibitory amendment resolution passed the
lower house of the Texas legislature in 1881, but
failed to pass the Senate. A similar resolution was
defeated in 1883 but was successful in the legislature
of 1887. When the question came up for ratification
by the people at the polls, however, the amendment
was defeated by a large majority. In the state of
Pennsylvania the lower house of the legislature voted
to submit an amendment in 1881. Failure in the
Senate, however, delayed submission until 1889, when
the amendment went to the people who in turn de-
feated it by a majority of more than 188,000 votes.
Submission of an amendment failed for lack of four
votes in the West Virginia legislature in 1881. In
1883 a similar resolution passed the House but was
defeated in the Senate. The legislature of 1888 took
favorable action but the amendment was defeated by
vote of the people.
A prohibitory amendment resolution passed the
Arkansas House of Representatives in 1881 but met
defeat in the Senate. The Indiana legislature of 1882
voted to submit the question, but the necessary action
of the succeeding legislature of 1883 was not com-
pleted on account of the failure of the measure to pass
the Senate after it had been adopted by the House.
The question was up in the Illinois legislature in
1882 and a resolution to submit a prohibitory amend-
ment passed the lower house but failed of passage in
the Senate. The same thing happened in Missouri in
1882 and again in 1883. A similar fate, moreover,
befell a similar resolution in the New Jersey legisla-
ture in 1883.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 179
The legislative contests for submission in the states
of Wisconsin in 1881, in Minnesota in 1883, and in
Vermont in 1883, were not successful, the amendment
resolution in each case being defeated. In the state of
Nebraska, however, the submission resolution, though
defeated in 1882 and 1883, was finally successful in
1889, but the amendment was rejected by the people
at the polls.
The legislature of Oregon by favorable action in
the sessions of 1885 and 1887 submitted an amend-
ment which was rejected by the people in the fall of
1887. A similar situation was presented in the state
of Tennessee where the legislature of 1884 and 1886
voted for submission and the people rejected the
amendment when it came to a vote in 1887.
Vermont and New Hampshire both continued under
statutory Prohibition during this entire period. The
Vermont law was strengthened in 1881. A prohibitory
amendment submitted in New Hampshire in 1889 was
rejected by vote of the people. North Dakota and
South Dakota both adopted constitutional Prohibition
in 1889, while the people of the state of Washington
rejected a constitutional provision the same year.
A very interesting situation developed in New York
state, the legislatures of 1888 and 1890 having voted
to submit a prohibitory amendment which, however,
was never submitted because the Attorney General of
the state ruled that a Prohibition bill would need to
be submitted to the people and the proposed prohibi-
tory bill failed to pass the legislature.
The Connecticut legislature in 1880 voted for sub-
mission, but the measure failed of the necessary
favorable action in the session of 1882 for lack of a
180 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
majority in the Senate. A similar resolution passed
the legislature of Massachusetts in 1887 and again in
1889, after having failed in 1881. The amendment,
however, was lost at the polls, the people casting a
large majority against its adoption. The territory of
Alaska was placed under Prohibition in 1884 by
President Grover Cleveland.
As a result of the campaigns for Prohibition during
the decade, only six states emerged at the end of the
period with Prohibition laws or constitutional Prohi-
bition amendments. These states were Maine, Kansas,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and New
Hampshire. Prohibition in Iowa had not been re-
pealed, but it had been practically nullified in about
one-third of the counties of the state by the so-called
"Mulct Law." It is an interesting coincidence that at
the close of this period, after the state-wide Prohibi-
tion wave of the eighties, there was the same number
of Prohibition states as there was at the close of the
period which witnessed the first Prohibition wave.
Three of these stood the test of both periods. They
were Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Kansas,
North Dakota and South Dakota took the place of the
three that went back to license during the period be-
ginning 1869.
It is also interesting to note that three of this latter
list of Prohibition states repealed Prohibition within
slightly more than a decade after the close of the
period. South Dakota enacted a local option feature
patterned after the Iowa "Mulct Law" in 1897 ; Ver-
mont went back to local option in 1902 and New
Hampshire followed Vermont in 1903. The states of
Maine, Kansas and North Dakota, however, stood
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 181
firm until National Prohibition went into effect in 1920.
The failure of Prohibition in three-fourths of the
states in which the state-wide fights took place during
the decade following the accompUshment of the Pro-
hibition victory in Kansas, was due to many causes.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Pro-
hibition party, the National Temperance Society, the
Good Templars, and other active temperance agencies
of the period, had created a remarkable sentiment
favorable to Prohibition. At no time perhaps in the
history of the movement had the agitation of the
liquor question reached such a high pitch as at the
very time when these state-wide contests were taking
place. That party prejudice which was so dominant
during the entire period, divided the temperance forces
and prevented the full cooperation of those favorable
to prohibitory legislation, goes without saying. More-
over, the lack of organization at the polls to see that
the Prohibition vote reached the ballot box and that
the Prohibition count was registered in each precinct
after the ballots had been cast, must also be taken
into account as an important factor in accounting for
the failure of Prohibition at the polls in so many states.
Evidences later bore out the theory of the friends of
Prohibition at the time that wholesale fraud in city
after city and state after state was responsible for
counting out the prohibitory amendments in many
states.
The most important factor, however, was that while
there was plenty of organized activity in agitational
and educational work there was no organized move-
ment through which the temperance forces could
work together in state-wide campaigns and at the polls.
182 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The Prohibition wave of the eighties is accounted
for largely by reason of the activity in politics of
the growing liquor interests and the arrogant dictation
by those interests in state and local governments. The
Prohibition wave of the eighties in fact may be said
to have been a great revolt against liquor domination
in politics, but when it came to handling the Prohibi-
tion campaigns, polling the vote and seeing that it was
properly counted, there was no organized force on the
Prohibition side sufficient to match the political liquor
machines which through all these campaigns were in
good running order.
While the Prohibition party and the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union held the center of the
stage during most of this period, other temperance
organizations rendered valuable assistance in connec-
tion with the campaign of education which charac-
terized the years between 1869 and 1893. The National
Temperance Society and Publication House, estab-
lished in New York in 1865, was a non-partisan organi-
zation. Its efforts, however, were not along political
lines so much as they were along lines of education
through the distribution of literature, the effort to
secure scientific temperance instruction in the public
schools, the publication of temperance lesson books,
and the effort to secure systematic temperance instruc-
tion through the Sunday School Lesson Committee.
The records of the Society show that during this
period it succeeded in distributing throughout the
country almost one million dollars' worth of temper-
ance literature in the form of books, pamphlets,
leaflets and tracts. The effort of the National Tem-
perance Society, moreover, to secure at the hands of
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 183
Congress a Commission of Inquiry was one of the in-
teresting contests of the period. Five times this meas-
ure was passed by the United States Senate but failed
to come to a vote at any time in the House of Rep-
resentatives.
The Good Templar order, after its organization in
1851, gradually grew in influence and numbers until
it was estimated near the close of this period that it
had succeeded in pledging more than two million
persons to total abstinence.
The Catholic Total Abstinence Union which was
organized in 1872 showed a very remarkable increase
in numbers and influence during the 20 years immedi-
ately following its birth. This society helped to
crystallize much of what had been done by Father
Mathew and it has continued to do a large work in
the way of organizing the temperance sentiment of
the Catholic Church.
The Francis Murphy pledge-signing movement of
the seventies, the National League for the Suppres-
sion of the Liquor Traffic, the Sons of Temperance, as
well as the Templars of Honor and Temperance, the
numerous "Cold Water Armies" and the Bands of
Hope, all played a helpful and important part in the
general temperance movement of the period.
Mrs. Lucy Webb Hayes, moreover, as the "First
Lady of the Land" during part of this period, made
an important contribution to the temperance move-
ment by banishing intoxicating liquors from the White
House in 1878 and keeping them from the White
House table during the four years of the Hayes admin-
istration.
Among the beacon lights of this period, each of
184 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
whom played no mean part in the struggle and many
of whom were the great personalities around which
the movements of the period centered, are the names
of Neal Dow, Frances E. Willard, Francis Murphy,
Mother Thompson, Mother Stewart, Lucy Webb
Hayes, Anna Shaw, Mary A. Livermore, Annie Wit-
tenmeyer, Mary T. Lathrop, Mary C. Leavitt, Ellen
M. Foster, John P. St. John, Sam Jones, Senator
William H. Blair, Henry A. Reynolds, Dr. Dio Lewis,
H. K, Carroll, W. E. Dodge, John B. Finch, Clinton
B. Fisk, John Russell, Gideon T. Stewart, and many
others.
The following chronology covers the principal items
of interest in connection with the reform movement
of the period.
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1869-1893
1869
The National Temperance Convention, held at
Chicago, 111., is attended by more than 500 dele-
gates; the Prohibition party is organized Septem-
ber 1-2.
Massachusetts enacts a state prohibitory law.
Vermont enacts a civil damage liquor act.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church recommends total abstinence.
The New York law is so amended as to give li-
cense to ale and beer sellers who do not keep hotels.
The National Grand Lodge of the Independent
Order of Good Templars advocates the calling of a
convention "at an early day" for the formation of
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 185
a political party committed to the Prohibition of
the liquor traffic.
By a constitutional amendment the Legislature
of Texas is given the power to prohibit the sale of
liquor in the immediate vicinity of any college or
seminary of learning if not at the Capital or at the
county seat.
The state Prohibition party of Ohio is organized
at Mansfield, Ohio, on July 24. The adherents of
the new party cast 679 votes in the fall election.
1870
The Legislature of Maine passes a bill to increase
the effectiveness of the prohibitory law.
Ohio passes the Adair law, making the liquor
seller and owners of premises jointly responsible for
injury caused by liquor.
The American Association for the Cure of Ine-
briates is organized.
The Royal Templars of Temperance is organized
at Buffalo, N. Y.
The Minnesota Legislature passes a local option
law.
The Prohibition party receives 3,712 votes in Illi-
nois, 8,692 in Massachusetts, 2,170 in Michigan,
1,167 in New Hampshire, 1,459 in New York, and
2,812 in Ohio.
New York does away with the county excise
boards, and excise commissioners in each city, town
and village are granted the authority to g^ant liquor
licenses.
P. De Marmon, M. D., of King's Bridge, N. Y.,
186 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
before the New York Medical Association on Feb-
ruary 18, says, "Within a year I have seen three
cases of poison by alcohol in children — that having
drunk large quantities of whisky, two of them died."
The prohibitory law of Massachusetts is so
amended as to exclude from its operation ale, porter
and beer.
The Reformed Dutch Church strongly urges total
abstinence.
Iowa passes a mongrel local option law, which is
declared unconstitutional by the State Supreme
Court.
The New Hampshire prohibitory law is strength-
ened by the Legislature.
The Legislature of Alabama enacts seventeen
local Prohibition laws.
Juvenile societies under the name of "Cold Water
Templars" are organized by the Independent Order
of Good Templars.
The National Temperance Society publishes the
temperance catechism and the catechism on alcohol.
President Grant issues an order forbidding the
importation of distilled spirits into Alaska.
Standing upon the proposition for laboring "un-
ceasingly for the promotion of the cause of temper-
ance— morally, socially, religiously and politically,"
the Royal Templars of Temperance establish the
first supreme council February 16.
1871
Francis Murphy delivers his first temperance ser-
mon.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 187
The United Friends of Temperance organize in
Nashville, Tenn.
The Prohibition party vote in the several states is
as follows: Massachusetts, 6,598; New Hampshire,
314; New York, 1,820; Ohio, 4,084; and Pennsyl-
vania, 3,186 — a total of 16,002.
A law is passed prohibiting the sale of intoxicating
liquors near the line of the Northern Pacific Rail-
road during the construction thereof.
Several townships in New Jersey are granted lo-
cal option by special acts of the Legislature.
The General Synod of the Lutheran Church
adopts resolutions favoring thorough temperance
education from the platform, press and pulpit, and
stands for "judicious legislation" on the liquor
question.
The Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends appoints
a standing committee on temperance.
A great temperance wave begins to sweep over
the country. Pledges are signed by tens of thou-
sands.
The Catholic temperance societies of Connecticut
are organized into one union.
The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church strongly urges renewed action against the
growing evil of intemperance.
1872
Temperance Republicans throughout the country
resent the resolution passed in the National Repub-
lican platform declaring for personal liberty.
The Prohibition party convention in session at
Columbus, Ohio, nominates James Black of Penn-
sylvania for President and John Russell of Michigan
188 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
for Vice President. The total vote for the Prohibi-
tion party is 5,607.
New York passes a local option law for towns
only, but the measure is vetoed by the Governor.
Thirty-two local Prohibition acts are passed by
the Legislature of Alabama, prohibiting the sale
of liquor within certain distances from towns,
churches, schools and factories.
The Legislature of Iowa restricts the sale of liq-
uors and limits the number of licenses.
The Legislature of Maine amends the prohibitory
law so as to forbid the sale of liquor and wine made
from home-grown fruits.
The National Conference of the Unitarian Church
declares that "it is a duty to do everything possible
to arrest and destroy this mighty foe of civiliza-
tion" (the liquor traffic).
A bill providing for a commission of inquiry on
the liquor question is presented and considered by
the Forty-second Congress.
Wisconsin enacts a license law with a civil
damage provision.
The General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church recommends the use of unfermented
wine at the sacrament and declares for Prohibition.
The Prohibition law of Connecticut is repealed
by the enactment of a license law.
The Western Indiana yearly meeting appoint* a
special committee on temperance.
Pennsylvania enacts a county local option law un-
der which 67 counties later vote for Prohibition.
The Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends petitions
the Legislature to enact Prohibition lawt.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 189
The Gardner Reform Club is formed in Gardner,
Maine, on January 22.
The Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America
is formed on February 22 at the national convention
called to meet in Baltimore, Md. One hundred and
twenty-five societies are represented in this first
convention.
The second national convention of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union is held in Cleveland, Ohio,
October 10.
The Franklin Home for inebriates is opened in
Philadelphia.
The National Temperance Society petitions Con-
gress for Prohibition in the District of Columbia and
the territories.
By the Act of Congress on December 24, collec-
tors of internal revenue are required to keep for
public inspection a list of those who pay special
taxes within their respective districts.
The chief of police of Boston in his annual report
says that "the 'beer drunk' is the worst drunk of all."
1873
Francis Murphy of Maine inaugurates the Blue
Ribbon temperance movement.
Mississippi enacts a local option law.
Alabama enacts, by special legislation, local op-
tion law provisions for many towns in the state.
The Tennessee Legislature passes a strong local
option law by a large majority in both houses, but
the measure is vetoed by the Governor.
Indiana passes the Baxter license law.
190 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The Maine law is strengthened. •
The Georgia Legislature passes five local liquor
laws affecting six counties and three other places.
The New York Legislature passes the landlord
and tenant bill and a civil damage bill for the regu-
lation of the liquor trade.
Kentucky adopts a local option law, with the re-
sult that of 259 towns ordering elections 207 vote
against license.
The Alabama Legislature enacts 41 local Prohi-
bition measures.
The National Temperance Convention meets at
Saratoga, N. Y.
The Maryland Legislature, by special act, grants
local option to five counties and a number of dis-
tricts in other counties.
The Prohibition law of Massachusetts is repealed.
North Carolina enacts a local option law.
The Minnesota Legislature enacts a law which
provides for a special tax on saloonkeepers, the
money realized from the tax to be applied toward a
fund for the erection of an inebriate asylum at
Rochester.
Several additional towns in New Jersey secure
local option by special acts of the Legislature.
On December 14, Dr. Dio Lewis speaks in
Fredonia, N. Y., and tells how his mother and her
friends prayed for the liquor dealers who were de-
stroying their homes. As a result 100 women under
the leadership of Mrs. Judge Barker start a praying
crusade to close the saloons. The movement, how-
ever, is not successful.
On December 17 a similar crusade is inaugurated
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 191
in Jamestown, N. Y., but the effort fails to secure
the closing of the saloons.
On the evening of December 22 Dr. Dio Lewis
speaks at Music Hall in Hillsboro, Ohio. On De-
cember 23 Dr. Lewis speaks again in Hillsboro on
intemperance, relating how women in eastern states
attempted to close saloons by visitation. The audi-
ence takes a vote to try the plan. Seventy-five
women thus inspired to action start the Woman's
Crusade on the following day which results in the
closing of the saloons. The movement rapidly
spreads.
The American Synod of the Moravian Church op-
poses "all traffic in intoxicating drinks and the use
as a beverage of hard cider, beer, ale. whisky, wine,
brandy, gin, rum, patent bitters, etc."
The New York Legislature re-enacts the old local
option law of 1846, but the measure is vetoed by
Governor Dix.
The General Council of the Reformed Episcopal
Church resolves that "it marks with pleasure the
progress of the temperance revival throughout the
country."
Governor Dix of New York, in his message to the
Legislature, calls attention to the alarming increase
of murders and says that they are traceable to the
"drinking saloons."
The Attorney General of the United States ren-
ders an opinion to the effect that Alaska is to be
regarded as Indian country and that no spirituous
liquors or wines may be introduced therein without
an order from the War Department.
192 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The Sundry Civil Appropriation Act in G^ngfress
of March 3 forbids the sale of spirits or wine in
Alaska and prohibits the erection of distilleries
therein. Jurisdiction in liquor cases is conferred
upon the United States courts.
The third national convention of the Catholic To-
tal Abstinence Union is held in New York City on
October 8.
The National Temperance Society begins agita-
tion for a commission of inquiry on the liquor prob-
lem.
1874
The Woman's Crusade against the saloons of
southern Ohio continues with remarkable success.
The Legislature of Rhode Island passes a law
prohibiting the sale of intoxicating beverages and a
constabulary act for its enforcement.
Georgia prohibits the liquor traffic in 40 counties
unless two-thirds of the property-holders agree
thereto in writing. At the same session the Legis-
lature extends local option to 13 other counties and
25 other smaller localities.
Oregon prohibits the sale of liquor unless a ma-
jority of the legal voters shall petition therefor.
Christian women at Chautauqua, N. Y., decide to
call a national convention of temperance women,
which convention meets on November 17 in Cleve-
land, Ohio, at which convention the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union is organized on Novem-
ber 19.
The Legislature of California enactfi a local
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 193
option law for townships and incorporated cities,
but it is declared unconstitutional by the courts.
A constitutional amendment in favor of license in
the state of Ohio is voted down by 6,286 majority.
The North Carolina Legislature strengthens its
local option law.
A whisky ring composed of distillers and govern-
ment officials assumes national proportions, robbing
the government and disgracing the administration.
The Bangor Reform Club for reformed drinking
men is organized at Bangor, Maine, by Dr. Henry
A, Reynolds and adopts a red ribbon as its badge.
The old prohibitory law of Indiana, which has
never been operative on account of conflicting court
opinion, is repealed by the enactment of a license
law.
Arkansas enacts a local option law which applies
to townships, incorporated towns and city wards.
The Women Crusaders at Washington C. H.,
Ohio, on the coldest day of the winter, locked out of
a saloon they attempted to enter, stand all day on
the street holding religious services. The next day
they build a "tabernacle" in the street in front of
the saloon and continue their "watching and pray-
ing." Before night the sheriff closes the saloon.
State organizations of the W. C. T. U. are formed
in Maine, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wis-
consin, Iowa and Nebraska.
Kentucky enacts a general local option law.
The Society of Friends, although standing for
temperance from the beginning (about 1660), ap-
194 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
points a committee to "put forth earnest efforts to
suppress the traffic in intoxicating drinks."
By virtue of the operation of the local option law
in Pennsylvania the number of breweries is reduced
from 500 to 346 in two years.
New York State makes the excise boards in towns
elective.
Alabama enacts seventy local Prohibition meas-
ures, the areas affected being two to twelve miles
in diameter.
The New England Yearly Meeting of Friends ap-
points a temperance committee to help fight the evils
of intemperance.
The Prohibition law of Hawaii, promulgated by
the native rulers, is repealed and free reign given
to the liquor and gambling interests, under the
fulership of King Kalekaua.
The War Department issues regulations under
which intoxicants may be introduced into Alaska,
for certain purposes, but these privileges are grossly
abused and later withdrawn.
I. D. Hastings of Wisconsin is sent by the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars to visit the Sand-
wich Islands, Australia and New Zealand in the in-
terest of the Prohibition movement.
The fourth national convention of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union is held in Chicago on Oc-
tober 7.
The first statistical study of inebriates is made at
the Binghamton, N. Y., asylum.
The Legislature of Alabama enacts a regular
local option law authorizing the Probate Judges of
seventeen counties to grant local option privileges
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 195
upon petition of any freeholder, the same to apply
to territory within certain distances of any place
within the said counties.
The Seventh-Day Baptist convention declares for
the entire suppression of the use of intoxicating
liquors.
The National Conference of the Unitarian Church
declares strongly against the liquor traffic.
The United States Senate by a vote of 26 to 21
passes a bill providing for a commission of inquiry
on the liquor traffic.
Forty thousand sign the pledge in Pittsburgh
under Francis Murphy.
Dr. James Edmunds in a lecture in New York de-
clares "Alcohol is in no sense a food, but a poison."
The Woman's State Temperance Alliance is
formed in Wisconsin.
Minnesota enacts a high license law.
1875
The whisky frauds in Western States are exposed,
showing a loss to the government by corruption of
$1,650,000.
The second Woman's National Temperance Con-
vention meets in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Rhode Island Legislature repeals the con-
stabulary prohibitory law and passes an act of regu-
lation.
The Constitution of the State of Texas is changed
so as to guarantee local option.
The National Temperance Society convention
meets in Chicago.
Masachusetts enacts a license law which includes
a local option provision.
196 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The Michigan prohibitory law is repealed.
Tennessee prohibits liquor licensed places "within
four miles of any chartered academy," further pro-
viding that any common or district school may be
chartered as an academy. The law does not apply
to chartered cities or chartered villages.
State organizations of the W. C. T. U. are formed
in Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Con-
necticut.
The first "Red Ribbon" Reform Club is organized
in Massachusetts at the city of Salem, September 19.
The eighth convention of the National Temper-
ance Society is held in June at Chicago.
Alabama adds 7,0(X) members to the I. O. G. T.
in two years.
The local option law of Pennsylvania is repealed,
license and regulation taking its place.
The official organ of the Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union is established under the name of
"The Christian Temperance Union." Mrs. Jennie
F. Willard of Chicago is the editor.
An amendment to the constitution of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars is adopted which
gives to colored people the right to have subordinate
and grand lodges of their own.
The fifth national convention of the Catholic To-
tal Abstinence Union is held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on
October 6.
The National Temperance Society begins the pub-
lication of Independent Temperance Lesson Leaves.
Daniel H. Pratt, Commissioner of Internal Reve-
nue, states that the government has been robbed of
$4,000,000 through the connivance of officials.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 197
Congress places in the hands of the President, in-
stead of the Secretary of War, the power to make
and publish regulations for the government of the
army in accordance with existing laws.
The eighth National Temperance Convention is
held at Chicago, June 3, and Mr. A. Powell, secre-
tary of the National Temperance Society, offers a
resolution calling for a national prohibitory amend-
ment. In November the board of managers of the
society send a memorial to Congress petitioning for
such an amendment to the Federal Constitution.
1876
General O. E. Babcock, private secretary to Presi-
dent Grant, is tried and acquitted of complicity in
the whisky frauds.
The Vermont Legislature enacts a law providing
for the abatement of law violating saloons as nui-
sances.
The second national convention of the Prohibi-
tion party is held in Cleveland, Ohio, and nominates
Clay Green Smith of Kentucky for President and
Gideon T. Stewart of Ohio for Vice President. In
the election 9,737 votes are recorded from 18 states.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union holds
its annual convention at Newark, N. J.
An investigation in the city of Philadelphia re-
veals the fact that intoxicating liquors are sold at
8,034 places in the city and that of the 8,034 liquor
sellers there are 2 Chinamen, 18 Italians, 140 Span-
iards, 160 Welshmen, 205 white Americans, 265
Negroes, 285 French, 497 Scotch, 568 English, 2,179
Germans, 304 Irish, and 672 whose nationality is un-
known.
198 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
Hon. Henry W. Blair, member of Congress from
New Hampshire, on December 27 presents in the
National House of Representatives a bill providing
for the submission to the states of a prohibitory
amendment to the Federal Constitution, and makes
a speech supporting the resolution.
About 70 reform clubs are reported to be in ex-
istence in the state of Massachusetts.
A state organization of the W. C. T. U. is formed
in New Hampshire.
The United States Senate by a vote of 73 to 20
again passes a bill providing for a commission of
inquiry.
Mississippi repeals a proviso which requires the
signatures of a majority of the women of a given
district before licenses can be granted.
By a majority of 8,078 in a total vote of 113,200,
the people of Michigan repeal the no-license con-
stitutional provision.
At Philadelphia the International Medical Con-
gress, which is the highest medical body in the
world, holds its sessions and takes a strong position
against alcohol as a food.
A woman's International Temperance convention
is held in Philadelphia, June 12-14.
The name of the official organ of the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union is changed from "The
Christian Temperance Union" to "Our Union."
The Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars is held in May
at Louisville, Ky. The representatives from Great
Britain, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, two lodges
from Indiana, one from Okie ami one from Iowa
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 199
secede from the order and form another organiza-
tion, because of the change in the constitution of
the order admitting negroes to membership.
The sixth national convention of the Catholic To-
tal Abstinence Union is held in Philadelphia on July
4. A delegation of total abstaining Indians take
part in the parade.
The National Temperance Society suffers from
a falling oflF of financial support.
Representatives of nine grand sections of the Ca-
dets of Temperance meet June 16 in Independence
Hall, Philadelphia, and effect another national or-
ganization, but it soon disbands.
The Congressional Temperance Society, after
some years of lack of interest, is rejuvenated.
1877
The Temperance Society of the Blue Cross is or-
ganized.
The Citizens' League of Chicago is organized for
the purpose of saving young men from intemper-
ance. This league is organized as a result of the
part played by drink in the railroad riots in Chicago.
The national convention of the Woman's Chris-
tion Temperance Union is held at Chicago.
A national conference of the Prohibition party is
held in New York City.
In state elections Iowa casts 10,545 Prohibition
party votes, while Massachusetts casts 16,354.
Maine declares wine and cider intoxicants when
used for tippling purposes and prohibits all intoxi-
cating liquors except cider, thus closing all the brew-
eries in the state.
The "Four Mile Law" of Tennc«sc is enacted.
200 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The state of Virginia levies a tax of 2J/^ cents on
each drink of ardent spirits and a half cent on each
drink of beer, a bell punch register being provided
for registering all drinks.
Similar laws are enacted in Texas and Louisiana,
but fail to accomplish their purpose in all three
instances.
The General Conference of the United Brethren
Church strongly declares for total abstinence, Pro-
hibition and the electing of temperance men to of-
fice.
The General Council of the Reformed Episcopal
Church declares its sympathy with the temperance
movement.
The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church stands for "entire Prohibition" of the liquor
traffic by the state.
A constitutional prohibitory amendment to the
State Constitution of Michigan is defeated at the
polls by a vote of 178,636 for and 184,251 against.
Two hundred thousand in Michigan sign the tem-
perance pledge during the year.
The license law of New York is amended and
made more stringent.
The National Temperance Society memorializes
the International Sunday School committee request-
ing quarterly temperance lessons.
The "Law and Order Movement" originates in
Chicago.
A local option bill for towns and cities passes the
Massachusetts Legislature, but is vetoed by Gov-
ernor A. H. Rice. •
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 201
A state organization of the W. C. T. U. is formed
in Minnesota.
The General Synod of the Reformed Dutch
Church appoints a special committee on temperance.
The Royal Templars of Temperance is organized.
The New Hampshire prohibitory law is strength-
ened and extended.
Justice Bradley of the United States Supreme
Court, in rendering the decision in the case of Beer
Company vs. Massachusetts, states: "If the public
safety or the public morals require the discontinu-
ance of the manufacturing or traffic, the hand of the
Legislature can not be stayed from providing for its
discontinuance by the incidental inconvenience
which individuals or corporations may suffer. All
rights are held subject to the police power of the
state."
Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes, wife of President
Hayes, banishes intoxicating liquors from the White
House at Washington.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union
adopts a report calling for temperance lessons in
the Sunday Schools, and appoints a committee to
urge the introduction of temperance teaching in the
schools and colleges.
The seventh national convention of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union is held at Buffalo, N. Y.,
on August 8.
The Society for the Prevention of Crime, largely
aimed at the liquor traffic, is organized by Rev. Dr.
Howard Crosby in the city of New York in the
month of March.
The National Conference of the Unitarian Church
202 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
urges greater activity in fighting the beverage liq-
uor traffic.
"The Sunday School Temperance Army" is or-
ganized at Philadelphia by Rev. George Sigler, of
the Church of God.
Under a new basis of organization, on February
3, Central Council No. 1 of the Royal Templars of
Temperance is instituted with ten members. Twenty
councils in the state of New York and one in Penn-
sylvania are reported at the end of the year.
1878
As a result of the operation of local prohibitory
laws 30 counties in Georgia are under Prohibition.
The General Assembly of the Cumberland Pres-
byterian Church strongly declares for temperance
reform and against the granting of liquor licenses.
The United States Senate by a vote of 29 to 19
parses for the third time a bill providing for a com-
mission of inquiry on the liquor question.
The Western Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends
favors a Constitutional Prohibition amendment for
Indiana.
A General Convention of the "Disciples of Christ"
at Cincinnati, Ohio, declares unequivocally for the
banishment of intemperance.
State W. C. T. U. organizations are formed in
Kansas and Arkansas.
The Temperance Lesson Book, by Dr. G. W.
Richardson, of England, is published and introduced
into the United States for use in the public schools.
The eighth national convention of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union is held in Indianapolis, Ind.,
on August 28.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 203
The Walnut Lodge Hospital for inebriates is
opened at Hartford, Conn.
Delegates from the General Assembly of the
United Presbyterian Church are sent to the different
denominations to secure their assistance in a united
effort to combat the evil of intemperance.
Deputy Customs Inspector Isaac D. Dennis, at
Wrangell, Alaska, inaugurates a campaign against
the use of liquors, and breaks up the liquor trade
for a short time.
The National Woman's Christian Temperance
Union meets in convention at Baltimore, Md.
The Grand Council of the Royal Templars of
Temperance of the State of New York is instituted
in Buffalo, January 15.
1879
On March 28 Congress, at the urgent request of
the distillers, extended the bonding period for liq-
uors to three years.
Frances E. Willard is elected president of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which holds
its national convention in Indianapolis.
The Michigan Legislature defeats a state pro-
hibitory measure by a vote of 50 to 37 and enacts
a liquor tax law.
The ninth national convention of the Catholic To-
tal Abstinence Union is held in Detroit, Mich., on
September 17.
At a session of the Sons of Temperance the Na-
tional Mutual Relief Society is organized, June 25.
The Grand Council oi the Royal Templars of
204 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
Temperance of the State of Pennsylvania is insti-
tuted in Meadville. During the year the order is
established in six other states.
The United States House of Representatives by a
vote of 128 to 99 creates the House Committee on
the Alcoholic Liquor Trafific.
The Kansas Yearly Meeting of Friends appoints
a committee to assist in securing State Constitu-
tional Prohibition for Kansas.
The Kansas Legislature by a vote of Z7 to 0 in
the Senate and 88 to 32 in the House submits a
prohibitory amendment to the Constitution.
The National Liquor Dealers' Association is or-
ganized at Cincinnati, Ohio, November 20 and 21.
"The Business Men's Moderation Society" is
formed in New York City on March 11.
The General Synod of the Lutheran Church de-
clares for the Prohibition of the sale of intoxicating
liquors.
Vermont enacts a law to "abate and suppress nui-
sances."
Hyde Park, Mass., through the local school board,
includes the teaching of scientific temperance in the
regular public school instruction.
The California State W. C. T. U. is organized.
1880
The Massachusetts anti-screen law for saloons be-
comes operative.
The Iowa Legislature votes to submit a prohibi-
tory amendment to a vote of the people. The meas-
ure requires favorable action by the next Legisla-
ture.
> The third national convention of the Prohibition
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 205
party meets in Cleveland, Ohio, nominating Neal
Dow of Maine as a candidate for President and H.
A. Thompson of Ohio as a candidate for Vice Presi-
dent. The party received in the election a total
vote of 9,678 in 16 states.
The National W. C. T. U. meets in annual con-
vention in Boston, Mass. It creates a department
of scientific temperance instruction for the public
schools. This department is placed under the direc-
tion of Mrs. Mary H. Hunt.
The Prohibition law of Vermont is made more
stringent by the passage of a "nuisance act."
Progressive Section No. 1, consisting of girls, is
organized by the Cadets of Temperance.
The Royal Templars of Temperance organize
grand councils in two more states.
Distilled liquor is introduced in the Hawaiian
Islands by some escaped convicts from Botany Bay.
Henry H. Renter, president of the United States
Berwers' Association, at the annual convention in
Buffalo says "The State of Maine, with only seven
barrels last year and 7,031 barrels the year previous
to that, has now disappeared entirely from the list
of beer-producing states."
B. Kelly, United States Pension Agent at Topeka,
compiles a statement of the paupers and criminals
of the 106 counties of Kansas, which shows 44 with-
out a pauper, 37 without a criminal in jail.
A special meeting of the National Liquor Dealers'
Association is held in Cincinnati January 21 and 22
for the purpose of planning to secure important
changes in revenue laws.
Two liquor bills under the titles of "Alcohol Leak-
206 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
age Bill" and the so-called "Carlyle Bill" are en-
acted by Congress as a result of an active effort on
the part of the liquor interests.
The second annual meeting of the National Dis-
tillers and Spirits Dealers' Association is held in
Cincinnati, Ohio, October 13 and 14, at which 380
firms from almost every state in the Union are rep-
resented.
The census shows four times as many drinking
places as churches, nine times as many liquor sellers
as ministers, and twelve times as much paid for liq-
uor as for the gospel in the United States.
The people of Kansas adopt a prohibitory amend-
ment to the Constitution by a vote of 92,302 to
84,304 on November 2, at the time of the presidential
election.
The Loyal Temperance Legion is organized under
the auspices of the W. C. T. U.
State organizations of the W. C. T. U. are formed
in Delaware and Colorado.
The General Conference of the Methodist Protest-
ant Church declares for State Prohibition.
The Nebraska prohibitory law is repealed.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union or-
ganizes a Sunday School department under the su-
perintendency of Miss Lucia E. F. Kimball, of Illi-
nois.
A complete prohibitory law is proposed in the
Connecticut Legislature but not finally enacted.
Miss Julia Coleman's book, "Alcohol and Hygi-
ene," is published for use in the public schools by
the National Temperance Publishing House.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union ap-
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 207
points a special committee on Young Ladies*
Leagues.
The tenth convention of the Catholic Total Ab-
stinence Union is held at Scranton, Pa., on Octo-
ber 4.
The North Georgia Annual Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, appoints a tem-
perance committee.
1881
The first high license law in the country is en-
acted by the Nebraska Legislature.
The Brewers' Congress opposes woman suffrage.
The lower house of the Delaware Legislature
passes a local option measure which is defeated in
the Senate. The Senate passes a prohibitory meas-
ure which is defeated in the House.
The Maryland Legislature enacts local option pro-
visions for several counties under which three coun-
ties vote against license, thus making ten entire Pro-
hibition counties in Maryland.
A local option law is defeated in the Indiana Sen-
ate by three votes.
Wisconsin enacts an anti-treating law.
Many parishes in Louisiana vote for Prohibition
under the local option law.
Washington Territory enacts a Sunday closing
law.
The prohibitory law of Vermont is amended and
strengthened by the addition of a "nuisance act," a
property owners' liability provision and another
provision compelling fines to be assessed against
sellers of liquor so as to provide $1 a day for the
208 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
families of those who are committed to jail for
crimes committed under the influence of liquor.
An effort to enact a prohibitory law in Rhode
Island fails, but the Legislature enacts a law pro-
hibiting the sale of liquor within 400 feet of any
public school. A search and seizure law is also en-
acted.
The Connecticut local option law is amended and
strengthened.
Fifty-four counties in Alabama are under Prohi-
bition by special local option enactments.
A local option bill passes the Florida House, but
is defeated by the Senate.
An effort to repeal the "Four-Mile Law" in Ten-
nessee is defeated. A law against selling liquor to
minors is enacted.
Kentucky passes a law prohibiting the sale or
giving away of liquors on Sunday.
A prohibitory law passed by the Legislature of
North Carolina by a vote of 46 to 15 in the House
and 32 to 10 in the Senate is submitted to the people
and defeated by a vote of 48,370 for and 166,325
against, the colored vote being almost solidly against
Prohibition.
A prohibitory amendment resolution passes the
Texas Senate by a vote of 23 to 7, but fails by 7
votes in the House.
The Arkansas House passes a prohibitory amend-
ment resolution by a vote of 66 to 47, but the meas-
ure is defeated in the Senate.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in an as-
sembly orders that "our people be advised to favor
the passage of prohibitory laws and, that they vote
I
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 209
for men who will both make and execute such laws."
The third annual meeting of the National Distil-
lers and Spirits Dealers' Association is held in Chi-
cago October 12 and 13, and a pro-liquor program
for congressional legfislation is agreed upon.
The Pennsylvania House passes a prohibitory
amendment resolution by a vote of 109 to 59, but
the measure is defeated in the Senate.
Kansas enacts a law enforcement code for the
purpose of putting in operation the prohibitory con-
stitutional amendment.
A constitutional amendment resolution in Michi-
gan receives 63 yeas and 33 nays in the House and
21 yeas to 10 nays in the Senate, thus failing in the
House for lack of a two-thirds vote.
The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends ap-
points a temperance committee to assist in the tem-
perance movement.
The Church Temperance Society of the Protestant
Episcopal Church is organized in New York City
in April.
The vote by which a proposed prohibitory law is
defeated in the lower house of the Massachusetts
Legislature is 73 to 95.
The International Sunday School Committee is
memorialized by a petition containing several thou-
sand names, requesting quarterly temperance les-
sons.
The United Brethren General Conference takes
a firm stand for Constitutional Prohibition in every
state and in the United States.
The Treasury Department issues instructions to
210 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
allow the importation of beer and wine into Alaska,
alleging that distilled spirits only are prohibited.
President R. B. Hayes, on February 22, issues an
order "to prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors as
a beverage, at the camps, forts and other posts of
the army."
The National Temperance Convention meets at
Saratoga, N. Y.
The National Brewers' Congress meets in Chi-
cago and goes on record as opposed to woman suf-
frage.
The national convention of the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union is held in the city of Wash-
ington, D, C.
The eleventh national convention of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union is held in Boston on Au-
gust 1. A membership of 26,000 in 524 societies is
represented in the convention.
As a memorial to her stand on the temperance
question, especially in the White House, and at the
suggestion of President Frederick Merrick, of the
Ohio Wesleyan University, Miss Frances E. Wil-
lard presents a picture of Mrs. Lucy Webb Hayes
to be hung in the East Room of the White House.
The picture is received by President Garfield on
March 5, the day after his inauguration.
Governor St. John of Kansas is re-elected on the
temperance issue by a majority of 52,000 — a larger
majority than that ever before given to a Governor.
A local option law for towns and cities is enacted
in Massachusetts.
The Kentucky State W. C. T. U. is organized.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 211
The Presbyterian Church appoints a permanent
committee on temperance.
The Royal Templars of Temperance organize
grand councils in three more states.
1882
The Mississippi Legislature passes a law against
the selling or giving away of intoxicating liquors
within five miles of the University of Mississippi.
The W. C. T. U. holds its national convention at
Louisville, Ky.
The Downing high license law is enacted by the
Missouri Legislature.
On May 24 a national convention of brewers, dis-
tillers and liquor dealers is held in the city of Chi-
cago for the purpose of "resisting sumptuary legis-
lation" and organizing a national movement of all
those interested in the liquor business, which shall
be known by some such name as the "National Per-
sonal Liberty League."
The National Distillers and Spirits Dealers' Asso-
ciation meets in Cincinnati September 21 and reor-
ganizes under the name of "The National Spirits and
Wine Association of the United States."
A convention of liquor dealers is held in Turn
Hall, Boston, to organize against the temperance
movement.
The first annual meeting of the "National Protec-
tive Association" is held in Milwaukee in October,
at which the name of the association is changed to
"The Personal Liberty League of the United
States." Branch leagues are organized in the lead-
ing states, cities and towns of the United States for
212 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
the purpose of influencing the elections in Novem-
ber, 1882.
Tlie Iowa Legislature, by a vote of 65 to 24 in the
House and 35 to 11 in the Senate, passes a resolu-
tion submitting a Prohibition amendment to a vote
of the people, the preceding Legislature having also
passed the same resolution. The vote taken on June
27th results in a Prohibition victory by a vote of
155,436 to 125,677.
The Supreme Court of Iowa declares the prohibi-
tory amendment null and void because of a discrep-
ancy in the wording of the resolutions which passed
two successive Legislatures.
The Indiana Legislature passes a resolution sub-
mitting a prohibitory amendment to a vote of the
people. The same resolution must pass the suc-
ceeding Legislature before a vote can be taken.
Arkansas passes a law providing that whenever
a majority of the adult inhabitants within three
miles of any "institution of learning" petition for the
Prohibition of the sale of liquor, Prohibition be-
comes effective.
Sixty-two of the 74 counties in Arkansas vote for
Prohibition in the September elections.
The lower house of the Mississippi Legislature
passes a local option bill, which is defeated in the
Senate.
Ohio passes the Pond bill imposing a tax on liq-
uor sellers of $100 to $300. The Sunday closing law
is strengthened.
The license law of Virginia is changed so as to
make the granting of licenses by judges optional.
Several provisions are added to the anti-liquor
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 213
legislation of South Carolina. The majority of the
rural sections of the state grant no license.
A local option measure of general application
throughout the entire state is defeated in the Geor-
gia House of Representatives by three votes. More
than half the state is under Prohibition by virtue of
the special local option provisions granted by the
Legislature from time to time.
A proposed prohibitory law is defeated in the
Massachusetts House of Representatives by a vote
of 110 to 110.
Massachusetts enacts a law removing screens
from licensed places, closing interior passages be-
tween tenement houses and saloons, and prohibiting
saloons within 400 feet of any school house on the
same street.
The Connecticut Legislature enacts a law author-
izing the use of temperance text-books in the public
schools where the majority of the voters in a district
favor the plan.
Maryland provides local option for three addi-
tional counties and eleven districts in other counties.
The Quadrennial Convention of the Christian
Church declares against the "crime of crimes" (the
liquor traffic), stands for Constitutional Prohibition
and for the election of men and parties in favor of
these principles.
A prohibitory constitutional resolution is defeated
in the Nebraska Legislature by a small majority.
The Ohio House passes a prohibitory amend-
ment resolution by a vote of 77 to 16, but the meas-
ure is defeated in the Senate.
The Association of Norfolk County, Mass., of the
214 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
Unitarian Church, passes vigorous resolutions
against the use of intoxicants and favors legislation
"looking to the total suppression of the manufacture
or sale of intoxicating liquors for use as a beverage."
Two joint resolutions submitting a Constitutional
Prohibition amendment are introduced in the United
States Senate by Senator Plumb of Kansas and Sen-
ator Blair of New Hampshire, and referred to the
Committee on Education and Labor.
Governor St. John of Kansas is renominated by
a vote of 200 to 87 in the convention, but is de-
feated at the polls by 8,000 majority, largely as a
result of the opposition of most of the people to a
third term.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, makes
sweeping declarations against the liquor traffic and
stands unreservedly for Prohibition.
Bishop Ireland delivers a notable sermon and
scathingly arraigns intemperance in the Cathedral at
St. Paul, Minn., on August 2.
State organizations of the W. C. T. U. are formed
in the states of West Virginia, Missouri, Texas and
Dakota Territory.
The United States Senate, by a vote of 34 to 19,
passes for the fourth time a bill providing for a
commission of inquiry on the liquor traffic.
Hon. George G. Vest, at Booneville, Mo., makes
a strong speech defending so-called "sumptuary" or
Prohibition legislation.
Vermont, New Hampshire and Michigan enact
scientific temperance lavvs for public school instruc-
tion.
The Connecticut Legisliature passes a prohibitory
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 215
amendment resolution which is to be submitted to
the next session.
The official organ of the Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union is consolidated with "The Signal," of
Chicago, under the name of "Our Union Signal."
The Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars meets in Charles-
ton, S. C, in May.
The twelfth national convention of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union is held in St. Paul, Minn.
Archbishop Ireland delivers the address of wel-
come.
The Citizens' Law and Order League of Massa-
chusetts is organized in May.
The Convention of the Christian Church adopts
a report declaring for "total abstinence upon the
part of all persons from intoxicating liquors of every
kind, and Prohibition of the traffic as such, by statu-
tory and constitutional enactment."
The army canteen has its beginning at Vancouver
Barracks, in Washington Territory. No beer nor
any other form of intoxicants is allowed in this can-
teen.
The Sons of Temperance report 73,000 members,
1,468 divisions, a gain of 33,200 members and 319
divisions in three years.
The Royal Templars report 455 select councils,
membership of 18,173, a primary membership of
1,175, making a total of 19,348 members. During
the year the order is instituted in Virginia, South
Carolina, New Brunswick and Ontario.
King Kalakaua, of Hawaii, repeals the Prohibi-
216 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
tion law of Hawaii, thus allowing the sale of liquor
to Hawaiians made free, as to other races.
Under the leadership of the Sons of Temperance
the New York State Prohibitory Association is or-
ganized.
1883
The World's Woman's Christian Temperance
Union is organized at the national convention of
the W. C. T. U., held at Detroit, Mich.
The Missouri Legislature enacts the Downing
high license law.
The Illinois Legislature passes the Harper high
license law.
A petition containing the names of 50,000 voters
in Massachusetts is presented to the Legislature of
that state, asking for the submission of a prohibi-
tory constitutional amendment.
The Brewers' and Maltsters' Association inaugu-
rates a non-partisan movement in defense of the
liquor business.
The Scott law taxing the liquor traffic is passed
in Ohio.
The Ohio Legislature passes two forms of con-
stitutional amendments, one providing for license
and the other for Prohibition. Both are submitted
to a vote of the people. A majority of all votes cast
at the election is required to pass either. Both fail,
the license amendment by 270,807 votes and the pro-
hibitory amendment by 37,467 votes. The Prohibi-
tion amendment has a majority of 82,000 of the votes
cast on that issue.
The Oregon Legislature passes a prohibitory
amendment resolution by a vote of 52 to 6 in the
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 217
House and 18 to 10 in the Senate. It must pass an-
other Legislature before it goes to the people.
The New Jersey Senate passes a prohibitory con-
stitutional amendment resolution by a vote of 11 to
10, but the measure fails in the House by a vote of
27 to 29.
The General Assembly of the Cumberland Pres-
byterian Church goes on record in favor of Prohibi-
tion of the manufacture, sale and use of intoxicat-
ing liquors.
A prohibitory amendment resolution passes the
West Virginia House by a vote of 49 to 14, but fails
in the Senate.
The Indiana House passes a resolution submitting
a prohibitory amendment to the people, but the
resolution is defeated in the Senate.
The Genessee Yearly Meeting of Friends appoints
a special temperance committee.
An effort to resubmit Prohibition to a vote of
the people in Kansas is defeated by an overwhelm-
ing majority in the Legislature.
Michigan and New Hampshire enact laws pro-
viding for the teaching of scientific temperance in
the public schools.
The Law and Order League of the United States
is organized at Tremont Temple, Boston, on Febru-
ary 22, by the representatives of 27 Law and Order
Leagues.
New York removes the right of summary arrests
for the violation of the liquor laws.
Michigan enacts an anti-liquor civil damage law.
The Seventh-Day Baptists demand the entire Pro-
hibition of the liquor traffic.
218 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The Templars of Temperance is organized in New
York City on June 16.
The thirteenth national convention of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union meets in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
on August 2.
The National Temperance Hospital is established
by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
The Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars meets in Chicago
in May.
The national convention of the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union, held at Detroit, Mich., de-
cides to present a memorial to each of the national
political conventions to adopt platforms declaring
for a national prohibitory amendment to the Federal
Constitution.
Miss Frances E. Willard and Miss Anna A. Gor-
don visit all the states and territories in the interest
of the National Woman's Christian Temperance
Union.
The Royal Templars of Temperance establish or-
ganizations in Georgia, Iowa, Nebraska and the
Provinces of Quebec and Manitoba.
1884
Congress prohibits the importation of intoxicat-
ing liquors into Alaska.
The National Democratic Convention adopts a
liquor plank in its platform.
A petition containing 106,000 signers is presented
to the Massachusetts Legislature asking for the sub-
mission of a prohibitory amendment.
The third plenary council of Roman Catholic
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 219
prelates at Baltimore, Md., declares against the
liquor traffic.
The Church Temperance Society of New York re-
ports that 633 political conventions and primaries
out of a total of 1,002 are held in saloons and that
the boodle board of 22 aldermen contains 12 saloon-
keepers and 4 saloon politicians.
The fourth national convention of the Prohibition
party meets in Pittsburgh, Pa., and nominates John
P. St. John of Kansas and William Daniel of Mary-
land for President and Vice President. In the elec-
tion the party received 150,626 votes from 34 states.
The national convention of the W. C. T. U. is
held in St. Louis, Mo.
The General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church adopts a resolution calling upon the
friends of temperance to celebrate in 1885 the cen-
tennial of the temperance movement in America, it
having been begun with the publication of Dr. Ben-
jamin Rush's pamphlet against the use of ardent
spirits.
The Tennessee Legislature passes a resolution
submitting a prohibitory amendment to a vote of
the people with the provision that the resolution
shall be submitted to the next Legislature to be
elected, and that it shall be published for six months
prior to the election at which the members of the
succeeding Legislature are to be elected.
The Southern Baptist Convention adopts strin-
gent resolutions against "The use, manufacture or
sale of intoxicating liquor as a beverage ; the rent-
ing of property where liquor is to be manufactured
or sold ; condemning the sale of fruits and cereals for
220 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
making liquors and the signing of whisky petitions
or going on the bonds of liquor sellers, and declaring
for Constitutional Prohibition."
The Voice, of New York, publishes a series of
articles on "The Value of Total Abstinence in Rela-
tion to Life Insurance."
New York State passes a law providing for scien-
tific temperance instruction in the public schools.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church declares in favor of the utter extermination
of the traffic in intoxicating liquors as a beverage.
The United States Senate, by a vote of 25 to 16,
passes, for the fifth time, a bill providing for a com-
mission of inquiry on the liquor traffic.
The International Sunday School Convention,
held at Louisville, Ky., June 13, recommends the
provision of quarterly temperance lessons.
The General Synod of the German Reform
Church, at Tiffin, Ohio, denounces "especially the
monster evil, intemperance."
In Arkansas 36 counties and several important
towns and cities are carried for Prohibition under
the local option law.
Rhode Island passes a law providing for the study
of scientific temperance in the public schools.
Prohibition is again triumphantly written into the
Constitution of the state of Maine by a vote of
70,783 for to 23,811 against.
The General Conference of the Methodist Protest-
ant Church declares for Constitutional Prohibition.
The New York Tribune publishes a scathing edi-
torial against the liquor traffic, on March 2.
Mrs. Mary Clement Leavitt starts from the United
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 221
States on a trip around the world in the interest of
the creation of a W. C. T. U. organization in all
countries and the organization of a World's Wo-
man's Christian Temperance Union.
The national organization of the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union, at its national convention,
adopts a resolution pledging its influence to the Pro-
hibition party.
The fourteenth national convention of the Catho-
lis Total Abstinence Union is held in Chicago on
August 15. Archbishop Feehan of Chicago, Arch-
bishop Elder of Cincinnati, Bishop Ireland of St.
Paul, Bishop Spaulding of Peoria, 111., and Bishop
Watterson of Columbus, Ohio, are among those
present.
The annual convention of the Law and Order
League of the United States is held in Chicago.
A bill is introduced in Congress by Senator Col-
quitt to submit the question of Prohibition in the
District of Columbia to a vote of the people. The
measure fails of passage.
The license for bar-rooms in the District of Co-
lumbia is raised to $100.
Congress passes an Act approved May 17 for the
government of the Territory of Alaska, and prohib-
its the importation, manufacture and sale of intoxi-
cating liquors except for medicinal, mechanical and
scientific purposes.
An army canteen, in which the sale of all forms
of intoxicating liquors is forbidden, is established
at Ft. Sidney, Neb.
The National Conference of the Unitarian Church
in a resolution "affectionately calls on all who may
222 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
regard their moderate use (of intoxicating liquors)
as innocent, to give up such use out of compassion
for their weaker brethren."
The General Eldership of the Church of God on
May 28, in its meeting at Wooster, Ohio, urges legal
Prohibition of the liquor traffic everywhere.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church strongly re-
iterates its attitude against the use and sale of in-
toxicating liquors as beverages.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union pre-
sents hundreds of petitions to the International
Committee of Sunday School Lessons at Louisville,
Ky., asking for special temperance lessons.
A Grand Council for Kentucky is instituted in
Louisville, February 3, by the Royal Templars of
Temperance.
Mrs. Mary Clement Leavitt organizes the Wo-
man's Christian Temperance Union of the Hawaiian
Islands.
1885
The proposed Constitution for South Dakota is
framed by a convention at Sioux Falls, with an ar-
ticle prohibiting the liquor traffic.
The Georgia Legislature passes a general local
option law.
A prohibitory liquor law is passed by the Demo-
cratic Legislature of Iowa.
A partisan anti-saloon movement is organized in
Kansas for the purpose of inducing the Republican
party to adopt a platform of hostility to the saloons.
The National W. C. T. U. meets in Philadelphia.
The National Temperance Society petitions the
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 223
National Congress to submit a prohibitory constitu-
tional amendment to the Federal Constitution.
Senators Plumb of Kansas and Blair of New
Hampshire introduce National Prohibition amend-
ment resolutions in the United States Senate. The
Senate committee reports favorably on the resolu-
tions the following year, but the measure does not
come to a vote.
Laws providing for scientific temperance teach-
ing in the public schools are enacted in Alabama,
Maine, Oregon, Nebraska, Wisconsin. Nevada, Kan-
sas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Missouri.
The National League for the Suppression of the
Liquor Traffic is organized in Boston in January.
The International Sunday School Lesson Commit-
tee provides for quarterly temperance lessons to be-
gin in 1887.
Washington Territory enacts a local option law.
Father Cleary, a delegate from the Catholic Total
Abstinence Union of America to the Centennial
Temperance Conference at Philadelphia, declares
that "the union has 40,000 pledged total abstainers."
The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church declares for absolute and unconditional Pro-
hibition of the liquor traffic.
The Ohio Yearly Meeting of Friends declares for
total abstinence and Prohibition.
The General Conference of the United Brethren
Church declares for both State and National Pro-
hibition.
The Territory of Dakota adopts Prohibition by a
vote of 15,570 to 15,337.
A ruling of Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the
224 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
Treasury, extends the bonding period for distillers
seven months.
The sale of beer is introduced into the army
canteens.
The third session of the Right Worthy Grand
Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars
is held at Toronto, Canada.
The National Temperance Society calls a centen-
nial temperance convention to meet in Philadelphia.
The fifteenth convention of the Catholic Total
Abstinence Union is held at New Haven, Conn., on
August 6.
The Citizens' Law and Order League of the State
of Pennsylvania is organized.
The Citizens' Law and Order League of the
United States holds its convention in New York
City.
The East Pennsylvania Eldership of the Church
of God, at Shippensburg, Pa., declares it to be the
bounden duty of ministers and church members to
use every moral and legal influence to destroy the
liquor traffic.
The Tennessee Legislature votes to submit a
constitutional prohibitory amendment to a vote of
the people. It is necessary, however, for the next
Legislature to take the same action.
The East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evan-
gelical Association adopts a resolution favoring to-
tal abstinence and Constitutional Prohibition. It
also condemns the use of wine in the sacrament.
The National Temperance Society reports that up
to May 1 the number of copies of the National Tem-
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 225
perance Advocate printed since the paper was es-
tablished is 2,085,695.
The Knights of Temperance are organized under
the auspices of the Church Temperance Society of
the Episcopal Church.
The Reformed Episcopal Church urges total ab-
stinence.
The no-license election in Fulton County, Ga., in-
cluding the city of Atlanta, results in a no-license
victory by a vote of 3,828 to 3,600.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church declares for
National Prohibition.
The National League for the Suppression of the
Liquor Traffic is organized in Boston, Mass., Jan-
uary 1, the first president being Rev. Daniel Dor-
chester, D. D.
The Oregon Legislature votes to submit a pro-
hibitory amendment to the vote of the people. It
is necessary for the next Legislature to take the
same action. jggg
The Rhode Island Legislature votes to submit the
prohibitory amendment to a popular vote. The pro-
hibitory amendment to the Constitution is approved
by the people of Rhode Island by a vote of 15,113
for and 9,230 against (the required three-fifths), and
becomes operative on July 1.
The Unitarian Church Temperance Society is or-
ganized at Saratoga, N. Y,
The American Convention of the Christian Church
declares its hostility to the liquor traffic.
Congress enacts that instruction concerning the
effects of alcoholic liquors shall be given in the
226 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
schools of the District of Columbia, in the military
and naval academies, and in all other schools under
government control.
Congress passes a local option law for the District
of Columbia.
The Dow tax law is passed by the Ohio Legis-
lature.
Judge Brewer of the United States Circuit Court
renders a decision in upholding compensation for
loss in brewing property occasioned by Prohibition
laws.
The national convention of the W. C. T. U. is
held in Minneapolis.
Mississippi passes a local option law.
The liquor interests form the National Protective
Association.
Twenty-two Republican state conventions declare
the liquor question to be one of great political im-
portance.
The Republican state conventions of Massachu-
setts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nebraska, Missouri,
,West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and
Oregon pass resolutions in favor of submitting pro-
hibitory constitutional amendments to a vote of the
people in the several states.
The Republican state conventions of New Jersey,
Connecticut, Wisconsin and Indiana resolve in fa-
vor of local option.
The Republican state conventions of Maine, Ver-
mont, New Hampshire, Iowa and Kansas resolve
in favor of Prohibition and its rigid enforcement.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 227
Rev. George C. Haddock is murdered by pro-liq-
uor ruffians at Sioux City, Iowa, August 3.
Congress passes a law providing for the teaching
of scientific temperance in the public schools of the
territories and the District of Columbia.
The Commercial Temperance League is formed
by traveling men and others in New York City.
Laws providing for scientific temperance instruc-
tion in the public schools are passed in Iowa, Mary-
land and Connecticut.
The state constitutional prohibitory amendment is
defeated in Michigan by a vote of 178,479 for and
184,305 against.
On September 16 the convention of anti-saloon
Republicans, meeting in Chicago, organize "The Na-
tional Anti-Saloon Republican Committee."
The New Jersey Legislature defeats the local op-
tion bill.
A compact for the suppression of the use of liquor
is entered into by representatives of the Cherokees,
Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks, Seminoles, Coman-
ches, Wichitas and affiliated bands of Indians re-
siding in the southwest part of the Indian Territory.
The Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars holds its session in
Richmond, Va., and again urges political action to
secure the prohibition of the liquor traffic.
The sixteenth national convention of the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union is held at Notre Dame, Ind.,
on August 4.
The Citizens' Law and Order League of the
United States holds its annual convention at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio.
228 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
1887
A decision handed down by Justice Harlan of the
United States Supreme Court in the case of Mulger
vs. Kansas and Kansas vs. Ziebold (both men being
Kansas brewers whose business had been destroyed
by the prohibitory law) on December 5, states:
"There is no justification for holding that the state,
under the guise of merely police regulations, is here
aiming to deprive the citizen of his constitutional
rights; for we cannot shut our view to the fact,
within the knowledge of all, that the public health,
the public morals and the public safety may be en-
dangered by the general use of intoxicating drinks ;
nor the fact, established by statistics accessible to
every one, that the disorder, pauperism and crime
prevalent in the country, are in some degree at least
traceable to this evil. . . . The power which the
states unquestionably have of prohibiting such use
by individuals of their property as shall be preju-
dicial to the health, the morals or the safety of the
public is not, and — consistently with the existence
and safety of organized society — cannot be burdened
with the condition that the state must compensate
such individual owners for pecuniary losses they
sustain by reason of their not being permitted by a
noxious use of their property to inflict injury upon
the community."
The two branches of the Independent Order of
Good Templars which resulted from a split in the
convention at Louisville, Ky., in 1876, are reunited
at the convention held at Saratoga, N. Y.
The seventeenth national convention of the Cath-
olic Total Abstinence Union is held in Philadelphia
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 229
in August. Ten thousand iotal abstainers take part
in the parade.
The Legislature of Michigan enacts a high license
liquor tax law.
The Brooks license law of Pennsylvania is en-
acted largely as the result of the efforts of the Phila-
delphia Law and Order Society.
The Citizens' Law and Order League of the
United States holds its annual convention in Al-
bany, N. Y.
Miss Jessie Ackerman of California sails from San
Francisco on a world lecture tour for the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union.
Pope Leo XIIL, under date of March 27, writes a
letter to Archbishop John Ireland of St. Paul, Minn.,
expressing his approval of the cause of temperance
and the American Catholic Total Abstinence Union.
This letter is published in the May number of the
Catholic Temperance Magazine.
Laws providing for scientific temperance instruc-
tion in the public schools are enacted in the states of
California, Delaware, Minnesota, West Virginia and
Colorado.
Fulton County, Ga., including the city of Atlanta,
votes on the liquor question November 26, with
the result that 5,189 votes are cast for license and
4,061 against.
In the Journal of United Labor, under date of
July 2, T. V. Powderly writes a strong letter de-
fending his position on temperance and the evil ef-
fects of drink on working men.
The provision of a quarterly temperance lesson
230 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
goes into operation by act of the International Sun-
day School Lesson Committee,
The thirty-third annual session of the Independent
Order of Good Templars is held at Saratoga, N. Y.,
in June. The order reports 483,103 members and
139,951 juvenile Templars.
In the "Catholic World" of August, Father Co-
naty declares that "the battle is really between the
saloon and the home," and strongly condemns the
saloon.
The Atlanta city council fixes the retail liquor li-
cense fee at $1,500 a year.
An attempt to pass a local option bill in the New
Jersey Legislature is defeated.
The triennial meeting of the eldership of the
Church of God declares against the liquor traffic.
The General Synod of the Reformed Church
passes strong resolutions against the liquor traffic.
The Reformed Dutch Church in General Synod
passes resolutions favoring temperance.
The General Conference of the Evangelical
Church declares for Prohibition.
The constitutional prohibitory amendment is sub-
mitted by the Legislature in Tennessee and is de-
feated by a majority of over 27,000 votes, the vote
being 117,504 for and 145,237 against.
Ten counties of Michigan vote dry under the lo-
cal option law which is enacted early in the year.
The territorial Legislature of Dakota passes a lo-
c«l option law.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 231
Montana passes a county local option law.
The Legislature of Kansas passes a law to sup-
press the sale of liquor as a beverage at drug stores.
The constitutional prohibitory amendment in
Michigan is defeated by a majority of 5,645 votes,
the vote being 178,638 for and 184,281 against.
The Citizens' Union of Michigan is organized for
Prohibition.
The Minnesota Legislature provides for high li-
cense wherever Prohibition is not adopted.
Fifty of the 78 counties of Missouri vote dry un-
der the local option law.
The Legislature of Oregon submits a prohibitory
amendment to the vote of the people. The amend-
ment is defeated by a majority of 7,985, the vote
being 19,973 for and 27,958 against.
The Pennsylvania Legislature enacts the Brooks
high license law.
The Texas Legislature votes to submit a consti-
tutional prohibitory amendment to the people; the
amendment is afterward defeated by a vote of 129,-
273 for and 221,934 against.
The West Virginia Legislature votes to submit
a prohibitory constitutional amendment to the
people.
The General Conference of the Wesleyan Metho-
dist Episcopal Church resolves for Prohibition.
Georgia reports 75 counties of the state under
Prohibition.
The Connecticut Legislature submits a proposal
for a prohibitory amendment to be voted on again
at the next session.
232 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The national convention of the W. C. T. U. is
held at Nashville, Tenn.
Senator Blair introduces a Federal Prohibition
resolution in the United States Senate.
By order of President Cleveland, Alaska is placed
under Prohibition.
Local option on the liquor question is incorpo-
rated into the Constitution of the State of Florida.
1888
The United States Brewers* convention, held in
St. Paul on May 30 and 31, expresses its satisfac-
tion with the internal revenue measure enacted dur-
ing the Civil War and declares that "the present sys-
tem, which is perfectly justifiable when viewed
from the standpoint of political economy, promotes
temperance more effectually than any other measure
yet proposed or executed for that purpose."
The War Department issues an order (Oct. 25)
for canteens to discontinue the sale of beer at posts
where there is a post-trader, as the sale of beer by
the canteen is in conflict with the rights of the post-
trader.
The eighteenth national convention of the Catho-
lic Total Abstinence Union is held in Boston on
August 1.
Supreme authority of the Order of Templars of
Temperance is vested in an "International Temple"
on June 27.
"The National Anti-Nuisance League" is organ-
ized in New York, with W. Jennings Demorest as
president and W. McK. Gatchell as treasurer. The
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 233
object of the league is to assist the fight for Prohi-
bition.
The Citizens' Law and Order League of Pennsyl-
vania and the Philadelphia Law and Order Society
are merged.
The Citizens' Law and Order League of the
United States holds its annual convention at Phila-
delphia.
The General Conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church, with 300,000 members, de-
clares in favor of temperance.
The General Conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, with 400,000 members, adopts
resolutions favoring temperance.
The Bishop's address to the General Conference
of the Methodist Episcopal Church declares against
the licensing of the liquor traffic.
The Brooks high license law of Pennsylvania goes
into effect.
The National Republican Convention resolves for
temperance and morality.
The General Synod of the Moravian Church op-
poses all traffic in intoxicating liquors.
The General Conference of the Seventh-Day Ad-
ventists, in convention at Minneapolis, Minn., re-
solves for Prohibition.
The Excise Commissioner of New York makes
rules and restrictions for the liquor traffic.
The Law and Order League of Sioux City, Iowa,
begins proceedings against the transportation com-
panies that have been nullifying the Prohibition
laws.
234 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The Legislature of Ohio passes a Sunday saloon-
closing law, and adopts township local option.
The Massachusetts Legislature enacts a high li-
cense law.
The Prohibition party in national convention at
Indianapolis nominates General Clinton B. Fisk of
New Jersey for President and John A. Brooks of
Missouri for Vice President. In the election the
party receives 249,945 votes, all the states except
South Carolina returning some votes.
The Constitutional Prohibition amendment sub-
mitted in West Virginia is defeated by a majority
of 34,887 votes, the vote being 41,668 for and 76,555
against.
The New York General Assembly in April adopts
the prohibitory amendment by a vote of 68 to 51 in
the Assembly and 18 to 5 in the Senate.
At the request of the National Temperance So-
ciety, Hon. J. A. Pickler of South Dakota and Sena-
tor Blair, in their respective branches of Congress,
present a resolution for the submission of a pro-
hibitory amendment to the states for ratification.
On July 9 Senator Blair, of the Committee on Edu-
cation and Labor, submits a report, concurred in
by the majority of the. committee, recommending the
submission of a prohibitory amendment to the states
for action.
1889
Hunterdon County, N. J., votes against license by
a majority of 500.
A joint resolution proposing a prohibitory amend-
ment to the Constitution passes the Pennsylvania
Legislature.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 235
The Boston Board of Police Commissioners in-
creases the cost of liquor licenses.
The prohibitory amendment to the Constitution in
New Hampshire is defeated by a vote of 25,786 for
and 30,876 against.
A reform ticket aiming at the closing of liquor
shops on Sunday is put into the field at Cincinnati,
Ohio.
The Supreme Court of Indiana decides that a li-
cense to sell liquor is a special tax, and that no
limitations can be placed upon the police power to
grant, withhold or annul licenses by any statutory
provisions.
The Michigan Legislature fixes the liquor retail
tax at $500.
The Rhode Island Legislature enacts a high li-
cense law.
The prohibitory clause of the North Dakota Con-
stitution is ratified by the people, the vote being
18,552 for to 17,393 against.
The people of South Dakota approve the prohibi-
tory article of the Constitution by a majority of over
5,000, the vote being 40,239 for to 34,510 against.
A Prohibition amendment to the Constitution of
Pennsylvania is defeated by a vote of the people,
the vote being 296,617 for and 484,644 against.
The Wisconsin Legislature passes a local option
law.
A central Prohibition organization is formed at
a convention held in Omaha, Nebraska, 250 dele-
gates representing five nearby states.
236 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The Legislature of North Dakota passes a Prohi-
bition enforcement law which becomes operative on
July 1.
The New Jersey Legislature repeals the local
option and high license law and enacts another high
license law in its place.
The Masonic Grand Lodge of Nebraska expels all
saloonkeepers from the Masonic order.
The Nineteenth National Convention of the Cath-
olic Total Abstinence Union is held in Cleveland,
Ohio, in August.
The Citizens Law and Order League of the
United States holds its annual convention in To-
ronto, Canada, and changes the name to "The In-
ternational Law and Order League."
General Order No. 10 dated February 1 issued by
Secretary of War William C. Endicott officially rec-
ognizes the beer canteen as an institution.
Massachusetts votes on Prohibition, 86,459 for,
133,085 against.
Connecticut votes on Prohibition, 22,379 for,
49,974 against.
Washington votes on Prohibition, 19,546 for,
31,487 against.
Rhode Island votes on Prohibition, rescinding the
law by a vote of 9,956 for, and 28,315 against.
1890
The liquor dealers of South Dakota openly refuse
to obey the Prohibition law.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 237
Temperance women beg^n a crusade in Lathrop
and other Missouri towns.
President Corbin of the Reading Railroad orders
the discharge of all employees who frequent drink-
ing places.
The Prohibition law of Iowa is sustained. The
Legislature defeats high license.
The Supreme Court holds that beer sent into the
State of Iowa in sealed kegs from Illinois and sold
in original packages cannot be seized without vio-
lating the Constitution.
The Secretary of War declares that no ardent
spirits or wine shall be sold in the canteens.
The Central Labor Union of New York denies
admission to the delegates from saloonkeepers' asso-
ciations.
The United States Brewers' Association, repre-
senting $195,000,000 of invested capital, holds its
convention at Washington, D. C.
The American Brewing Company opens original
package stores at Leachburg, Pennsylvania, and
other dry towns.
The Presbyterian General Assembly in session at
Saratoga Springs, New York, recommends Prohi-
bition.
The General Conference of the Methodist Pro-
testant Church declares against license.
A whisky war breaks out in Kansas on account
of the original package decision by the courts.
The Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias takes
238 Paktisan Movement, 1869-1893
a firm stand on the exclusion of liquor dealers from
the order.
Judge J. S. West of the United States District
Court at Fort Scott, Kansas, declares for the en-
forcement of the prohibitory law in an original
package case.
Irish beer drinkers of Chicago boycott the brew-
eries which have been sold to English syndicates.
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad issues a circular
stating that it will not employ men addicted to in-
temperance.
A State convention at Topeka, Kansas, composed
of 3,000 delegates, resolves against the original
package liquor shops.
The Farmers' Alliance and Knights of Labor in
South Dakota unite to form an independent party
favoring Prohibition.
The non-partisan Woman's Christian Temper-
ance Union is organized at Cleveland, Ohio, on Jan-
uary 22.
The Sons of Temperance call upon Congress to
prohibit the exportation of intoxicating beverages
from the United States to Africa and the Pacific
Islands.
Leland, Iowa, passes an ordinance providing that
any person who sells intoxicating liquors shall be
tarred and feathered and cow-hided out of the
village.
The prohibitory amendment goes into effect in
South Dakota. The Legislature enacts a strong
enforcement law.
The American Board of Missions petitions Con-
gress to prohibit the exportation of intoxicating
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 239
liquors to those countries where the missions of the
board are located.
The Michigan Supreme Court upholds the local
option law.
The Prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors
in Iowa in original packages becomes effective.
The people of Nebraska reject a Prohibition
amendment to the Constitution.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, adopts no-license un-
der the local option law by a majority of 564.
The Maryland Legislature enacts a high license
law for Baltimore city.
The Women's Temperance Crusade in Missouri
is marked by the forcible destruction of a saloon in
Speckardsville.
The Cincinnati Brewing Company, amid much ex-
citement, opens an "original package" store in
Leechburg, a dry town.
The Central Labor Union of New York orders a
strike against Pool Beer; the Socialists withdraw
from the union.
About 800 delegates meet in New York in a temper-
ance convention which declares for Prohibition.
The Reform party meeting in Syracuse, New
York, declares for the absolute suppression of the
liquor traffic for beverage purposes by National
Constitutional enactment.
The New York Citizens' Alliance is organized to
work for new excise laws in New York State.
The United States Senate passes an amendment
to the Army Bill providing that no liquor shall be
sold to soldiers by post-traders, and none by can-
teens in Prohibition states.
240 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The 46th annual meeting of the Sons of Temper-
ance is held.
The National W. C. T. U. meets in annual con-
vention in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Nonpartisan Woman's Christian Temperance
Union holds its convention at Pittsburgh.
The New York Commission of Excise reports that
8,885 places in New York City are licensed to sell
intoxicating liquor. This represents 6,742 saloons,
1,098 storekeepers, besides hotels, restaurants and
steamboats.
North and South Dakota are admitted to the
Union as Prohibition states.
The Twentieth National Convention of the Cath-
olic Total Abstinence Union is held in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, on August 6.
The United Christian Commission is revived in
the interest of legislation aiding temperance in the
United States Army and Navy. Chaplain Orville J.
Nave is made corresponding secretary and Rev.
Wm. E. Parsons treasurer.
The International Law and Order League holds
its annual convention in Boston.
The Universalists of Illinois declare for total
abstinence for the individual, and Prohibition for
the State and nation.
The first company of the order of "Royal Crusad-
ers" is formed in Brunswick, New Jersey.
As a consequence of the "Original Package" de-
cision handed down by the United States Supreme
Court, to the effect that "the State has no power,
without Congressional permission, to interfere by
seizure, or by any other action, in the Prohibition
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 241
of importation and sale by a foreign or non-resident
imported of liquors in unbroken "original packages,"
liquor dealers begin opening "original package"
shops everywhere defying State and local Prohibi-
tion laws.
The "Wilson Law" is passed by Congress (ap-
proved August 8) with the intent of making all in-
toxicating liquors subject to the laws of the State
into which they are sent. The Supreme Court, how-
ever, weakens this law by a decision that the words
of the act "arrival in such State," contemplates their
delivery to the consignee before State jurisdiction
attaches.
A law enacted by Congress and approved June 13
contains a provision that "no alcoholic liquors, wine
or beer shall be sold or supplied to enlisted men in
any canteen or post-trader's store ... in any state
or territory in which the sale of alcoholic liquors,
wine or beer, is prohibited by law."
Agitation to protect the natives of the Congo Free
State from the whisky peddler results in the "Brus-
sels Conference" which establishes a zone around
the district in question within which the sale of dis-
tilled spirits is to be prohibited. This agreement is
ratified by seventeen nations within two years.
Redfield Proctor, Secretary of War under Presi-
dent Harrison, urges an appropriation of $100,000
for fitting up and equipping the military beer can-
teens. The appropriation is defeated.
General O. O. Howard in an official report recom-
mends the abolition of the sale of beer in the army
canteen and the substitution therefor of other bev-
erages.
242 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The building of the Woman's Christian Temper-
ance Union Temple in Chicago is begun.
The New York Legislature passes a Prohibition
amendment by a vote of 19 to 13 in the Senate, and
by a vote of 66 to 45 in the Assembly. The Attorney
General decides that a bill on the subject is required
and the matter goes over until the next Legislature.
The census reports, and the official reports of
liquor organizations, show that the city of Chicago
sells more liquor in an average week than is sold
during the entire year in the State of Kansas, and
that the consumption of liquors in this city for one
month is greater than the aggregate sales of the
whole twelve months in all of the seven Prohibition
States.
1891
The South Dakota House of Representatives passes
a resolution to re-submit the prohibitory amendment.
The New York Assembly defends the Stadler spe-
cial license bill by a vote of 63 to 60.
Twenty-six illicit stills are destroyed in Florida.
The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad
discharges employees who sign petitions of saloonkeep-
ers for license.
Men and women together in a temperance crusade
at Bloomville, Ohio, wreck a saloon and destroy the
liquors, cigars and billiard tables.
The Maine Legislature passes some very rigid Pro-
hibition enforcement legislation.
The Sunday law in New York is enforced.
The lower House of the Delaware Legislature passes
a local option bill by a vote of 14 to 4.
The National Brewers' Association, in session at
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 243
Cleveland, rejoices in the defeat of a bill to create a
government commission of inquiry on the alcoholic
liquor traffic.
Father McNulty, of Paterson, New Jersey, is beaten
by a law-breaking saloonkeeper.
The United States Supreme Court upholds the con-
stitutionality of the original package law.
The Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, vetoes all beer
licenses.
The liquor forces hold an anti- Prohibition con-
vention at Janesville, Wisconsin.
The National Prohibition Park on Staten Island,
near Port Richmond, is formally dedicated.
Georgia prohibits the sale of liquor within three
miles of any church or school except in incorporated
towns.
Anti-Prohibitionists of Kiowa, Kansas, petition the
woman mayor to resign because she makes continual
war on the dives.
The Sunday closing law is strictly enforced in Balti-
more.
All liquor dealers at Bar Harbor, Maine, are in-
dicted for violating the liquor law.
Congress passes a law prohibiting the sale of liquor
within one mile of the Soldiers' Home in the city of
Washington.
A high license law is enacted by the New Mexico
Legislature.
The New Jersey Legislature passes a bill requested
by the liquor dealers giving absolute power to grant
or revoke licenses at their pleasure to boards to be
appointed by the Governor.
244 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
The lower House of the New Hampshire Legislature
rejects a local option bill by a vote of 166 to 148.
The woman mayor of Kiowa, Kansas, succeeds in
closing gambling houses and liquor joints in the town.
The general Prohibition enforcement law of Maine
goes into effect in May. It provides a fine of $100 and
60 days in jail for the first offense of the anti-liquor
selling provision.
The East Maine Methodist Conference protests
against the acts of the national administration in en-
deavoring to enlarge the malt liquor trade with Central
American states.
The twenty-sixth annual meeting of the National
Temperance Society is held in New York.
The Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, decides by a vote
of 114 to 81 that liquor makers and saloonkeepers are
eligible to become members.
The Excise Reform Association is incorporated in
New York for the purpose of promoting the passage
of more stringent excise laws, and the establishment of
an excise system that shall impose adequate regulations
upon the sale of liquor in that State.
In the District Court at Topeka, Kansas, an original
package agent representing a liquor house at Kansas
City, Missouri, is fined $500 and sentenced to 90 days
in the county jail.
The National Temperance Society holds its annual
meeting at Saratoga Springs, New York.
The police of New York are forbidden to receive
bribes or to spy into illegal liquor selling during for-
bidden hours, while the judges refuse to hold the liquor
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 245
dealers unless the police can testify that they bought
the liquor at their saloons.
A monster petition in favor of outlawing the liquor
traffic and the opium trade is presented at the great
temperance convention in the city of Boston,
The Non-Partisan W. C. T. U. representing seven
states holds its annual convention.
The first World's Convention of the W. C. T. U. is
held in Boston, Massachusetts, Lady Henry Somerset
of England being the honor guest.
The Twenty-First National Convention of the Cath-
olic Total Abstinence Union is held in Baltimore,
Maryland. Cardinal Gibbons welcomes the delegates.
The American Medical Temperance Society is or-
ganized at the meeting of the American Medical Asso-
ciation at Washington, D. C.
An Encyclopedia of Temperance and Prohibition is
published by Funk & Wagnalls.
The International Law and Order League holds its
annual convention at Chautauqua, N. Y.
Queen Liliuokalani ascends the throne of Hawaii
and discontinues the open use of liquors at her pub-
lic entertainments and refuses them herself; how-
ever, the traffic is not wiped out.
The National Temperance Advocate prints an edi-
torial in February entitled "Appeal to Conscience."
The New York Legislature, after joint resolutions
for a vote on a Prohibition amendment had been
adopted in the sessions of 1888 and 1890, defeats the
bill providing for the submission of the Prohibition
Amendment to a vote of the people.
The Annual of Universal Medical Sciences, Vol. 9,
letter 1, page 4, gives results of experiments by Blu-
246 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
menau on young men between the ages of 22 and 24
years as to the effects of alcohol on the human system,
Deut. Medicin. Wochensch, Leipzig, October 22, gives
the results of experiments of Glazer regarding the
effects of alcohol on the urine and kidneys. The
Journal of Medical Science, September, gives con-
clusions of Dr. E, McDowell Cocgrove as to "a nar-
cotic rather than a stimulating effect" of alcohol,
Nebraska fails to adopt Prohibition by a vote of
82,292 for, and 111,728 against,
1892
Temperance societies of New York hold mass
meetings to protest against the passing of the liquor
dealers' excise bill.
Investigations show that there is one saloon in New
York for every sixty-two male adults.
The formation of an Anti-Saloon League composing
clergymen of all denominations is announced in Mass-
achusetts, but the movement does not materialize.
The police of New York City make a show of en-
forcing the excise law by making ninety-one arrests.
The general conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church condemns the liquor traffic and the high license
system.
Judge Lacombe, of New York, renders an opinion
favoring the legality of the whisky trust.
An excise enforcement league is organized in New
York City.
Sioux Falls, S. D,, decides to experiment with six
saloons, one for every ward.
An illicit still in New York, with 6,000 gallons of
wine and brandy, is seized by the government.
Partisan Movement, 1869-1893 247
At a temperance meeting called by Edward Murphy
at New Haven, Connecticut, 2,000 persons sign the
total abstinence pledge.
The revenue authorities seize ten illicit stills in
Wilkes County, North CaroHna, and three in Catalba
County, destroying the Hquors.
Four "moonshiners" are captured near Mount
Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
The local option elections in Connecticut result in
eighty-eight towns voting for no-license as against
eighty which vote for license.
O. B. Williamson, a Prohibitionist, is shot and killed
at the municipal election at Warrior, Alabama, by
George Kaley who is charged by a coroners' jury with
wilful murder.
Doctor Parkhurst seeks to enforce the prohibitory
features of the license law in New York City.
Jonathan Hochstetter is killed by moonshiners on
Laurel Hill Mountain, Pennsylvania, for testifying
against them in court.
The National Temperance Society holds its Twenty-
seventh Annual Convention in Broadway Tabernacle,
New York.
The Thirty-second Annual Convention of the United
States Brewers' Association is held in Boston.
For selling whisky in Lancaster, Kentucky, dry un-
der local option, a negro is fined nearly $1,000,000
after confessing to 1,585 cases, and a white man is
fined $157,700 in 1,577 cases.
The National W. C. T. U. meets in Denver, Colo-
rado, having 500 delegates in attendance.
George Cunningham, a Prohibitionist, is killed by
248 Partisan Movement, 1869-1893
Frank Duffy, a saloonkeeper at Fort Hamilton, New
York.
The Sixth National Convention of the Prohibition
Party at Cincinnati, Ohio, nominates General John
Bidwell of California for President and J. B. Cranfill
of Texas for Vice-President. In the election the
party receives 270,710 votes.
The existing laws against selling liquor to the In-
dians are strengthened by the Act passed July 23rd,
which prohibits the sale, gift, exchange, or barter of
any ardent spirits, ale, beer, wine or intoxicating liq-
uors of any kind.
The War Department makes a distinction between
the post-exchange and the beer canteen, the room
being set apart for the sale of beer being known as the
canteen, while the whole establishment is called the
post-exchange.
The Third National Convention of the Non-Partisan
W. C. T. U. is held in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Twenty-second National Convention of the
Catholic Total Abstinence Union is held at Indianap-
olis, Indiana, in August. Seven hundred and thirty-
eight societies are represented.
The second annual meeting of the American Medi-
cal Temperance Association is held in the Y. M. C. A.
Hall in Detroit, Michigan on June 9.
The Beer Brewers' Association in its annual con-
vention at Boston in May, reports for educational
work a balance of $52,188.91.
CHAPTER VII
Non-Partisan Co-Operation for Local
Prohibition— 1893-1906
THE year 1893 found the Prohibition move-
ment in the United States at a low ebb.
During the fifty years prior to that date
eighteen states had adopted state Prohibi-
tion, but in eleven of these states the law had been
repealed or declared unconstitutional before it had
been given a fair chance through any kind of real
enforcement, while one other state had practically
nullified its Prohibition law by the enactment of leg-
islation giving to the people in certain political sub-
divisions the right to suspend Prohibition by a major-
ity vote. Thus only six states remained under nominal
Prohibition, but even in these states the law was not
well enforced. Joints, camouflaged drug stores, speak-
easies and numerous other institutions devised for the
purpose of evading the prohibitory law, flourished in
most of the Prohibition states.
There were thirty-one states in which the people
had no legal voice on the liquor question. Only eleven
states, in fact, had any form of local veto, and of these
not more than six had what might be termed effective
local option laws. Post traderships in connection with
military forts and army posts had been abolished, thus
opening the way for army canteens with the sale of
intoxicating liquors at the army posts under the
direction of the government.
250 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
The Prohibition party, which had aroused strong
hopes in earlier years, had not proved equal to the
task. After 24 years of organized effort it had been
unable to poll in any election as many as 275,000 votes
out of a total of more than 12,000,000, or one out of
forty-four. Such a showing, after almost a quarter
of a century of organized partisan effort, indicated
that there was not strong probability that the Prohi-
bition party as such would ever reach the point of
being reckoned with as either a political or partisan
factor.
In the meantime the liquor interests had perfected
one of the strongest political machines that the country
had ever known and had injected its dominating in-
fluence into the politics of almost every state and city
of the nation, controlling conventions and elections and
dictating the acts of legislatures.
In short, the partisan plan for Prohibition had
failed. The Prohibition wave had receded. The moral
forces were fast becoming discouraged. The situation
was frequently referred to as hopeless. Reaction had
indeed set in and even the religious and temperance
forces of the nation had come to the point of realizing
that the success of the Prohibition movement depended
upon the devising of some new plan which would
promise more in the way of the uniting of the tem-
perance forces and the solving of the liquor problem.
It was under such circumstances that the Ameri-
canized form of the Gothenburg system presented
itself in South Carolina under the name of the dis-
pensary. This proposal, which promised to eliminate
the element of private gain from the liquor business
and to clothe the traffic with a garment of respecta-
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 251
bility, vouched for by the state itself, presented the
most insidious and dangerous aspect of the liquor
problem in America at that date.
The dispensary as a complete solution for the
liquor problem had been fathered by the Honorable
Benjamin Tillman, Gk)vernor of the state of South
Carolina. It had the backing of the dominant political
party in that state. It quickly made its appeal to the
political and moral forces of other states with the
result that within a comparatively short time strong
temperance advocates and political leaders in many
sections of the country were urging the dispensary
system as presenting the most helpful suggestion for
the solution of the liquor problem.
In many respects the dispensary proposal precipi-
tated the greatest crisis of the entire Prohibition
movement in America. It is easy to believe that
this system would in all probability have fastened
itself upon the southern states and eventually upon
the nation as a whole but for two things : the political
scandals which promptly developed in connection with
the state dispensary in South Carolina, and the non-
partisan movement for temperance reform which pre-
sented itself to the temperance and moral forces of
the nation in the very midst of this crucial dispensary
period.
The non-partisan political plan for cooperation in
local Prohibition efforts presented a strong appeal to
the religious and moral forces of the nation. This plan
proposed to bring all temperance forces into a co-
operative effort, regardless of other alliances, affilia-
tions and adhesions. It was indeed interdenomina-
tional and omni-partisan. It appealed to the temper-
252 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
ance adherents of all parties. Democrats, Republicans,
Populists, Socialists, Baptists, Jews, Catholics, Metho-
dists, Presbyterians, Mormons, Hindus, Mohamme-
dans, capitalists, laboring men, professional men,
farmers, public servants and the humblest citizens,
could stand together on the non-partisan, interdenomi-
national temperance platform presented, without doing
violence to either their political, religious or profes-
sional relations. This plan, moreover, appealed to the
common sense of the public in that it proposed to
attack the liquor traffic first at the points of least
resistance, namely, the country cross-roads, the town-
ships, the villages and the rural counties. This plan
proposed to use sentiment already in existence, crys-
tallizing it for immediate use while at the same time by
that very process creating more sentiment for the
larger conflicts ahead. The sponsors of the plan recog-
nized the fact that nothing succeeds like success and
that nothing makes more sentiment than the proper,
active utilization of the sentiment which already exists.
This proposed plan for non-partisan action in local
Prohibition contests, moreover, had a strong appeal in
that it operated on the fundamental American policy
of popular sovereignty on the liquor question. Its
demand was that the people of every community have
the right to exclude the liquor traffic when the majority
of the people of that community so desire. This pro-
posed plan, moreover, was a conservation scheme,
dealing with one question only, running counter to no
deep prejudices except that engendered by the liquor
traffic itself, tying up its fortunes with those of no
other problem on which churches, parties, organiza-
tions, men and women strongly differ. Thus entangling
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 253
alliances with other issues were avoided. This plan
was political but not partisan. It proposed to work
through men instead of parties. It made it possible
for the temperance forces to fight on the offensive,
choosing the ground and the weapons for each conflict,
compelling the liquor traffic to defend itself on that
ground and with those weapons. Its object was three-
fold, consisting in, first, marshalling and organizing
temperance sentiment into active public opinion; sec-
ond, the crystallizing of public opinion into law ; third,
the following up of the enactment of law with enforce-
ment and educational work of such a character as to
make for permanency. Such was the plan, which at
this crucial period in the history of the temperance
reform made its appeal to the temperance public
in 1893.
The Anti-Saloon League was the embodiment of the
above plan. Founded by Doctor Howard H. Russell,
a Congregational minister and Christian statesman,
directed after the first few years of organization work
by Doctor Purley A. Baker, a born reformer, execu-
tive and Christian crusader, born in the remarkable
Christian moral reform atmosphere of the college
town of Oberlin, Ohio, this League, inaugurated in
1893, within an incredibly short space of time spread
over the nation, uniting the forces of the church, the
adherents and constituents of practically all the tem-
perance and reform organizations and the best men
of all political parties, into one united effort for the
prompt suppression and the ultimate extermination of
the beverage liquor traffic.
The national organization of the Anti-Saloon
League came into existence at, Washington, D. C, in
254 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
1895. Within a few years thereafter state departments
had been organized in practically every state and ter-
ritory. Hundreds of men and women were rapidly
employed in the various phases of its work. Its leader-
ship in the early years included men like Howard H.
Russell, Purley A. Baker, Edwin C. Dinwiddle, John
C. Jackson, and Wayne B. Wheeler, who shaped the
early course of this new movement which was destined
not only to lead the fight for local Prohibition in the
smaller communities, but later to organize the move-
ments for state Prohibition and finally to marshall the
moral forces of the nation for permanent National
Constitutional Prohibition.
The strongest temperance organizations of the
seventies and eighties made an effort at both political
and partisan action. The Anti-Saloon League, which
came upon the stage in the nineties, was intensely
political but insistently non-partisan.
The period of non-partisan local Prohibition effort,
inaugurated by the formation of the Anti- Saloon
League in 1893, was short but eventful. It covered
thirteen years of agitation, legislative campaigning and
law enforcement activity, a detailed record of which
would fill a library of volumes.
Within a few years after the organization of the
League, the temperance revival showed itself in the
new life and activity of the reform forces in the towns
and counties of practically every state. The few old
local option laws of some of the southern states were
remodeled and strengthened, while new local option
laws were rapidly written on the statute books of most
of the states, north, south, east and west.
Before the end of the period, a survey of conditions
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 255
showed a remarkable advance in tangible results along
Prohibition lines. Three states, with an aggregate
population of almost 3,000,000, were under state-wide
Prohibition, while three other states were almost en-
tirely under Prohibition by special legislative enact-
ments. Thirty states had adopted local option laws
applying either to townships, municipalities or coun-
ties, and in some cases applying to all three units. More
than half of all the counties, more than 60 per cent
of all the incorporated towns and villages, and almost
70 per cent of all the townships in the United States,
had gone under Prohibition by the local option route.
By 1906, approximately 35,000,000 people in the
United States were living in Prohibition territory and
the saloon had been banished by law from territory in
the United States aggregating more than 2,000,000
square miles.
From 1895 to 1906 the record of practically every
year showed an increase in the dry territory and dry
population of the United States along with a corre-
sponding decrease in the license territory and license
population of the nation. Rural townships and vil-
lages which adopted local Prohibition during this
period were numbered by the thousands. Before the
close of the period, 76 of the 92 towns of Connecticut
had adopted no-license; 200 towns and villages in
Illinois were under Prohibition, as were also 661 out
of the 1,016 townships of Indiana, 250 cities and towns
of Massachusetts, more than 400 townships and vil-
lages of Nebraska, more than 300 townships of New
York, a thousand townships, 450 municipalities and
66 city residence districts in Ohio, more than a hun-
dred towns and villages in Oklahoma, almost half the
256 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
towns in Rhode Island, 212 out of the 246 towns of
Vermont, 50 villages in Washington state, and more
than 600 villages and townships in Wisconsin.
County local option had gone into effect in most of
the states which were not under either Prohibition or
strict license. By 1906, as a result of the operation of
county option laws, more than 1,500 counties in all
parts of the nation were under prohibitory legislation.
At the close of this period, Alabama had 22 Prohibi-
tion counties; Arkansas, 50; Florida, 27; Georgia, 110;
Iowa, 67 ; Kentucky, 81 ; Louisiana, 60 ; Texas, 125 ;
Virginia, 70; West Virginia, 30; Maryland, 14; Mis-
sissippi, 60; Oregon, 12; while most of the remaining
license states boasted of a few no-license counties.
During the period South Dakota, Vermont and New
Hampshire repealed state-wide Prohibition, but most
of the territory in these three states remained under
Prohibition by local option provisions.
A number of important events occurred during this
period which were of special interest in connection
with the Prohibition movement. The World's Tem-
perance Congress was held in June, 1893, in connec-
tion with the World's Fair at Chicago. This, perhaps,
was the nearest to a great world temperance congress
that had ever been held. Representatives from many
foreigpi countries and from practically all temperance
and reform organizations in the United States gath-
ered at Chicago and participated in this remarkable
gathering. The program of the conference included
discussion of practically every phase of the liquor
problem and the temperance reform. The minutes of
the Congress which were published in two large vol-
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 257
umes made an invaluable contribution to the literature
of the temperance reform.
It is of interest to note that in 1894 when the liquor
interests were making a special effort to corral the vote
and influence of organized labor, Typographical Union
No. 6 of New York city by a vote of 1,049 to 484
adopted a resolution calling for the complete destruc-
tion of the liquor traffic in both state and nation.
This was the beginning of the efforts in behalf of
Prohibition on the part of organized labor which in
many of the state contests have greatly assisted the
Prohibition forces.
It was during this period also that the first agree-
ment upon the part of the great nations was reached
to protect from distilled liquors the natives of a very
large portion of the African continent. This agree-
ment, which was known as the agreement of the Brus-
sels conference, was entered into by the principal
nations of Europe and was ratified by the United
States in 1899.
At the very beginning of the twentieth century the
famous Carrie Nation raids started in the state of
Kansas. That state, nominally under Prohibition, had
allowed the prohibitory law in certain sections to drift
into a state of very lax enforcement. In fact, speak-
easies known as "joints" operated in some sections
openly and flagrantly. Carrie Nation, who had vainly
used various means to secure the enforcement of the
law in the town in which she lived, finally in despair
proceeded herself to do what the law provided the
officials should do.
Perhaps the most important campaign of the period
258 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
was that of 1905 in the state of Ohio in which the
Anti-Saloon League organized the fight against the
re-election of Governor Myron T. Herrick who, under
threat of executive veto, had secured the emasculation
of a residence district local option measure passed by
the Ohio legislature in 1904. Governor Herrick, a
Republican, had been elected for his first term in 1903
by a majority of approximately 113,000. The Republi-
can party, under Theodore Roosevelt, had carried the
state of Ohio in 1904 by a majority of more than
255,000. As a result of this pronounced wet and dry
gubernatorial fight, although the rest of the state Re-
publican ticket was elected by normal majorities, Gov-
ernor Herrick was defeated by a majority of more
than 44,000.
This sweeping victory secured by the anti-saloon
forces in a straight Prohibition contest in a great
populous state like Ohio was an encouragement to the
Prohibition forces for the numerous state-wide Prohi-
bition contests which followed during the next decade.
Among the leaders of this period were such as How-
ard H. Russell, Purley A. Baker, Anna A. Gordon,
John C. Jackson, Ella A. Boole, George R. Stuart,
Sam. W. Small, Ervin S. Chapman, George W. Young,
Wayne B. Wheeler, Edwin S. Dinwiddie, John G.
Woolley, David Stuart Dodge, Doctor A. J. Kynett,
Archbishop John Ireland, Mary H. Hunt, Bishop
Luther B. Wilson, Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver,
Carrie Nation, Wilbur F, Crafts, Dr. T. D. Crothers,
William E. Johnson, Margaret Dye Ellis, S. E. Nichol-
son, Bishop James Cannon, Jr., Mrs. Lillian M. N.
Stevens, and many others.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 259
The following chronology gives in considerable de-
tail the facts as to the progress of the movement during
the period as evidenced by the Prohibition victories in
thousands of local option contests throughout the
length and breadth of the nation.
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1893-1906
1893
The Ohio Anti-Saloon League is founded by How-
ard H. Russell at Oberlin, Ohio.
The District of Columbia Anti-Saloon League is or-
ganized at Washington, D. C.
The biennial convention of the World's W. C. T. U.
is held on the World's Fair grounds at Chicago.
The Evans dispensary law becomes operative in the
State of South Carolina.
Governor Tillman, of South Carolina, meets with
decided resistance in enforcing the dispensary law in
the city of Charleston.
The State Liquor Dealers' Association of Ohio de-
cides to enter politics more actively than before and
demands the repeal of the law making it an offense to
sell liquor to habitual drunkards, as well as a modifica-
tion of the Sunday closing law and other restrictive
measures.
Members of the W. C. T. U., making a circuit of
the joints in Rola, North Dakota, are brutally beaten
by liquor advocates.
360 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
One thousand women of Owensboro, Kentucky,
band themselves together for a crusade against the liq-
uor dealers of that city.
The first convention of the Intercollegfiate Prohibi-
tion Association is held.
An illicit distillery valued at $75,000 is seized by the
Federal authorities at Baltimore, Maryland.
The Long Island Railroad Company's general man-
ager issues an order that heads of departments will be
held responsible if they continue to employ men who
frequent drinking places during their leisure hours.
"The Anti-Saloon," a monthly temperance paper, is
established by Dr. Howard H, Russell as the official
organ of the Anti-Saloon League of Ohio.
By the Act of Congress of January 28 the post-
traderships in connection with the military service are
completely abolished. This opens the way for the
complete establishment of the army canteen.
Surgeon General George M. Sternberg protests
against the beer canteen a« being "an authorized beer
saloon kept open under the auspices and with the ap-
proval of the government."
The license for bar-rooms in the District of Colum-
bia is raised to $400.
1894
Orders are issued by the St. Louis police department
to arrest all saloonkeepers and others having slot ma-
chines.
A committee of fifty, with Seth Low as president,
is organized in New York to study the liquor question
with a view to public and private action.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 261
The Haskell local option bill is defeated in the lower
House of the Ohio Legislature, receiving only thirty-
six votes.
Archbishop Ireland, of the Catholic church, and Dr.
Kynett, of the Methodist church, on a railway train
between Chicago and Philadelphia, discuss the tem-
perance question and agree upon the advisability of a
plan for the uniting of all the forces opposed to the
saloon, similar to the plan later decided upon in the
organization of the Anti-Saloon League of America.
The 26th annual convention of the W. C. T. U.
meets in Washington, D. C.
The lower House of the Iowa Legislature by a vote
of 53 to 45 passes a bill providing for restricted local
option for the cities and towns of the State, and al-
lows the assessment of a tax of $600 on any real estate
upon which liquor is sold.
Three counties in South Carolina break out in open
rebellion against the State Liquor Dispensary law;
two citizens and two detectives are killed.
Governor Tillman of South Carolina suppresses op-
position to the State Liquor Dispensary law by assum-
ing control of the police and the marshals of all in-
corporated towns.
An expose of lax law enforcement in New York
City is made in an article in "The City Vigilant,"
which reveals the fact that on Sunday, March 18,
there were 2,960 open saloons in nineteen Assembly
districts, and that in from ten minutes to half an hour
3,312 persons entered them, not counting eight police-
men, while thirty-nine policemen were seen in the
immediate vicinity.
262 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
Major General O. O. Howard is made president of
the National Temperance Society at its annual conven-
tion held in New York.
The South Carolina Supreme Court upholds the
validity of the Evans Dispensary law.
A Temperance Congress is held at Prohibition Park,
Staten Island, N. Y.
Several hundred illicit brandy distilleries are dis-
covered in the mountain districts of California; they
are worked mostly by Italians.
A great reception is tendered Miss Frances E. Wil-
lard in New York City on her return from Europe.
The Second Annual Convention of the Intercolle-
giate Prohibition Association of the United States is
held in New York City.
The state dispensaries in South Carolina are re-
opened on August 1.
The New York State Constitutional Convention by
a vote of 50 to 86 rejects an amendment offered by
Mr. Titus of New York, providing for the free sale
of liquor in cities on Sundays.
Judge Gibbons of Chicago directs a judgment of
ouster against the whisky trust, which is declared ille-
gal by the court.
More than 100 moonshiners are brought to trial in
Kentucky and many illicit stills are destroyed.
The Twenty-first National Convention of the W.
C. T. U, is held in Cleveland, Ohio.
The lower House of the South Carolina Legislature
passes a bill declaring that intoxication and the use of
obscene and profane language are misdemeanors.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 263
Typographical Union No. 6 of New York City by a
vote of 1,049 to 484 adopts a resolution calling for the
destruction of the liquor traffic in both State and
Nation.
The "Mulct Law" is passed in Iowa which has the
practical effect of repealing the State Prohibition law.
Kentucky passes a law providing for local option
for precincts and magisterial districts.
Missouri enacts a local option law which provides
for a vote on the liquor question by counties, exempt-
ing cities of 2,500 or more from the operation of the
law.
The Act of Congress of August 27 extends the
bonding period for distilled liquors to eight years.
1895
At the suggestion of Bishop Luther B. Wilson, the
District of Columbia Anti-Saloon League issues a call
to initiate a general Anti-Saloon League movement
throughout the nation.
The American Anti-Saloon League is organized at
Washington. D. C, December 18, by the coalition of
the Anti- Saloon League of the District of Columbia,
the Anti-Saloon League of Ohio and five other state,
national and local temperance organizations.
Dr. Howard H. Russell is chosen the first national
superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League of America.
The American Issue, the official organ of the Anti-
Saloon League, makes its first appearance, taking the
place of the Anti-Saloon, the paper started by Dr.
Russell in 1893.
The Indian Territory is placed under Prohibition
by Federal enactment.
264 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
Congress directs the Bureau of Labor to investigate
the economic aspects of the liquor problem.
General Orders No. 46 of the United States army
set forth rules for the conduct of the canteen which
may be permitted to sell beer and light wines, by the
permission of the commanding officer.
1896
State Anti- Saloon Leagues are organized in Penn-
sylvania, South Dakota, Michigan, West Virginia and
Iowa.
The records in Ohio show a decrease of 1,442 in
the number of saloons since 1893.
The Harris local option bill is defeated in the lower
House of the Ohio Legislature, receiving only fifty
votes.
Massachusetts reports seven cities of over 30,000
population free from the saloon.
The Ohio Anti-Saloon League holds at Columbus
the largest temperance convention ever held in the
State.
The Supreme Court of Indiana holds a saloon to
be a nuisance under certain circumstances, and de-
clares that the license fee is no defense.
South Dakota votes to repeal the Prohibition law by
a majority of 4,000 votes.
The National Convention of the Prohibition Party
at Pittsburg nominates Joshua Levering of Baltimore,
Maryland, for President and Hale Johnson of Illinois
for Vice-President. The party splits on the currency
question. In the election the party receives 130,617
votes.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 265
Kentucky enacts a county local option law exempt-
ing from its operation cities of 30,000 or more.
New York enacts a township local option law.
The Second National Convention of the Anti-Sa-
loon League of America is held at Washington, D. C,
December 8-10. _
The States of Nebraska and Tennessee organize
State Anti-Saloon Leagues.
The records of the District of Columbia show a
reduction in the number of licenses from 1,100 in
1892 to 689 in 1897.
Van Buren County, Michigan, votes dry under the
county option law.
Tennessee extends the Adams law excluding saloons
from within four miles of schoolhouses outside of in-
corporated towns of 2,000 or more.
The number of saloons in New York City is re-
duced by 1,200 as a result of restrictive laws passed
by the Legislature.
Local Anti- Saloon Leagues are organized in Colo-
rado.
A large number of townships in Ohio vote dry un-
der the township option law.
General Superintendent Howard H. Russell, in his
annual address to the Anti-Saloon League convention,
reports active work along anti-saloon lines in eighteen
different states.
The existing laws against the sale of liquors to In-
dians are supplemented by the Act of Congress ap-
proved January 30, which is especially designed to pro-
tect Indians to whom allotments of land had been
made.
266 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
Congress passes a measure (Act of March 3, 1897)
giving various privileges to distillers, including the
right to "bottle in bond."
1898
The local option law introduced in the Ohio Legis-
lature is defeated in committee.
The Anti-Saloon League movement is started in
Northern California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota,
Vermont, Wisconsin, Maryland and Oklahoma.
The first superintendents' conference of the Anti-
Saloon League is held at Delaware, Ohio, and is at-
tended by representatives from twenty states.
The Third National Convention of the Anti-Saloon
League of America is held January 11-13 at Colum-
bus, Ohio.
The Fourth National Convention of the Anti-Sa-
loon League of America is held December 6-8 at
Cleveland, Ohio.
The agreement made by the Creek Indians with the
Commission to the Five Civilized Tribes contains the
provision that strict laws should be maintained in the
territory of the Creek nation against the introduction,
sale, barter or giving away of liquors and intoxicants
of any kind or quantity.
Drunkenness in the army camps of Alger, Chicka-
mauga. Mobile and Tampa causes widespread scandal
and arouses temperance sentiment over the country.
The Revenue Act approved June 13, 1898, to meet
the expenses of the war with Spain, doubles the tax
on beer, making it $2 a barrel, but leaves undisturbed
the tax on distilled spirits.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 267
1899
Anti-Saloon League state organizations are started
in New Hampshire, New York, Colorado, Arkansas
and Rhode Island.
Nine-tenths of the territory of Mississippi and five-
sixths of the territory of Georgia are reported dry un-
der local option laws.
As a result of the fight made by the Ohio Anti- Sa-
loon League, Hon. John A. Caldwell, the pro-liquor
candidate for Lietuenant-Governor of Ohio, runs be-
hind his ticket over 34,000 votes.
The Anti-Saloon League of America opens legisla-
tive offices in Washington, D. C, with Edwin C. Din-
widdie as legislative superintendent.
John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy, issues General
Order No. 508 abolishing the traffic in beer and other
alcoholic liquors both on shipboard and at naval sta-
tions.
The American Railway Association, comprising
every important railway in the United States, Canada
and Mexico, recommends the adoption of a rule for-
bidding the use of intoxicants by employees while on
duty, and providing that the habitual use of intoxi-
cants, or the frequenting places where they are sold,
shall be sufficient cause for dismissal.
A decision of the United States Court of Claims,
rendered in June, recognizes the official status of the
beer canteen features of the post exchange, and de-
clares that post exchanges, being under complete con-
trol of the Secretary of War as governmental agencies,
are not subject to special taxes as "retail liquor
dealers."
268 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
An attempt is made, in Kentucky, to compel distil-
lers to pay taxes on the full value of the liquors held
by them in bonded warehouses; the distillers having
been in the habit of making merely nominal returns
which the assessors are compelled to accept as the
value of the liquor so held.
Congress enacts a measure providing that no officer
or private soldier shall be detailed to sell intoxicating
drinks in any post exchange or canteen. The War
Department, however, continues the practice of allow-
ing civilians to sell liquors in these canteens.
The Territory of Alaska is given a high license law,
to replace the prohibitory legislation, by Act of Con-
gress approved March 3, 1899. Barroom licenses are
fixed at $500 to $1,500 per annum according to the
population.
The United States ratifies the agreement of the
"Brussels Conference" making a zone in which the
sale of distilled liquors to native races, in Africa, is
prohibited.
1900
The Clarke Municipal Local Option Bill passes the
lower House of the Ohio Legislature, but is lose in
the Senate by a vote of 15 to 16.
Minnesota passes a Search and Seizure law.
The League's fight on the Governor of Arkansas,
who had favored the liquor interests, reduces his ma-
jority 20,000 votes. A similar fight on the Governor
of Nebraska reduces his majority to 800, while the
rest of the ticket wins by 8,000.
Twelve Iowa counties abolish the saloons.
Seventy-five Nebraska towris vote dry.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 269
Queen Anne County, Maryland, adopts no-license.
The Anti-Saloon League is organized in the state
of Washington.
The National Convention of the Prohibition Party
meeting in Chicago, Illinois, nominates John G. Wool-
ley of Illinois for President and Henry B. Metcalf of
Rhode Island for Vice-President. In the election
the party received 209,260 votes.
The Fifth National Convention of the Anti-Saloon
League of America is held May 24-25 at Chicago.
The Hawaiian Islands are organized as a Territory
of the United States, following their annexation, and
by the terms of the Act approved April 30, 1900, pro-
vision is made for the prohibition of the liquor traffic
"except under such regulations and restrictions as
the Territorial Legislature shall prescribe." A license
law is enacted by the Territorial Legislature with
license fees ranging from $250 to $1,000.
1901
Iowa prohibits the soliciting of liquor orders in dry
territory.
A strong temperance candidate is elected to the
Supreme Bench of Nebraska by 12,000 majority, in
spite of all the efforts of the liquor interests to defeat
him.
The brewers and liquor dealers organize in every
Prohibition State of the Union to break down the
prohibitory laws.
Reports indicate that the Anti-Saloon League
movement has been inaugurated in thirty-six different
States and Territories.
270 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
The Anti-Saloon Leagues of Oregon, Virginia and
New Jersey are organized.
The Hon. Hiram Price, first President of the Anti-
Saloon League of America, dies, and Rev. Luther B.
Wilson, D. D., later Bishop Wilson, is elected to suc-
ceed him.
Colorado reports five counties dry by action of the
County Supervisors.
Private boxes are excluded from the saloons of Los
Angeles, and the effort of the liquor forces to open
the saloons on Sunday in that city is defeated as a
result of a petition containing the names of 13,000
citizens.
The Supreme Court of Indiana hands down three
decisions favorable to the temperance forces.
Kansas enacts a Search and Seizure law.
Over 400 liquor cases are started in the courts of
Ohio, and convictions are secured in about 85 per
cent of that number.
Tennessee reports that out of 500 cities, towns and
p)ostoffices, only sixty have saloons.
The Sixth National Convention of the Anti-Saloon
League of America is held December 3-5 at Wash-
ington, D. C.
The following resolution is introduced into the
United States Senate by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge,
and adopted : "Resolved, That in the opinion of this
body the time has come when the principle, twice af-
firmed in international treaties for Central Africa,
that native races should be protected against the de-
structive traffic in intoxicants, should be extended to
all uncivilized people by the enactment of such laws
and the making of such treaties as will effectually
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 271
prohibit the sale, by the signatory powers, to aboriginal
tribes and uncivilized races, of opium and intoxicating
beverages,"
The Act of Congress approved Februafy 2 pro-
hibits "the sale or dealing in beer, wine or any intox-
icating liquors by any person in any post exchange or
canteen or army transport or upon any premises used
for military purposes by the United States." This is
known as the Anti-Canteen Law.
1902
The Ohio Legislature passes the Beal Municipal
Local Option law.
Kentucky adopts a stringent law enforcement
measure.
Maryland passes twenty-eight different local tem-
perance laws.
Congress appropriates $1,000,000 for canteen sub-
stitutes at army posts.
Ninety-three municipalities in Ohio vote dry.
Forty-four Maryland saloons are outlawed.
Forty-four of the seventy-five counties in Arkansas
abolish the saloons.
Two-thirds of Los Angeles County, one-half of San
Diego County and one-half of San Bernardino County,
Cal., adopt no-license.
Missouri closes forty-four dramshops.
Of forty-eight county option elections in Texas,
forty-one result in Prohibition victories.
Twenty-eight liquor license remonstrances are suc-
cessful in Indiana.
New York State outlaws sixty concert hall saloons
272 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
in Buffalo, and adds one hundred dry townships to
the no-license column.
Oliver W. Stewart, a Prohibition Party candidate,
is elected to the Illinois State Legislature.
Local Option elections in Connecticut result in 93
towns voting for no-license as against 75 for license.
The Seventh National Convention of the Anti-Sa-
loon League of America is held December 9-11 at
Washington, D. C.
The so-called "New Hebrides" Bill is passed (ap-
proved February 14) prohibiting Americans from
selling intoxicants, opium and firearms to the natives
of the Pacific islands.
A meeting of Indians of the Five CiviHzed Tribes
is called at Eufaula, Oklahoma, November 28, to pro-
test against the admission of Oklahoma into the Union
without any provisions for keeping the agreement pro-
hibiting intoxicating liquors.
The Act of Congress approved April 12 removes
most of the special taxes levied to meet the expenses
of the war with Spain, and reduces the tax on beer
from $2 to $1 a barrel.
1903
The Prohibition laws of Vermont and New Hamp-
shire are repealed by the adoption of local option
measures in these States.
Virginia passes the Mann law, practically banishing
all saloons from rural districts.
North Carolina adopts the Watts law, limiting sa-
loons to incorporated towns and giving the right of
local option to all municipalities.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 273
One-fourth of all saloons in the State of Virginia
are put out of business by local option.
Eighteen of the twenty-four towns and cities voting
in Virginia adopt Prohibition.
Tennessee extends the four-mile law to include all
cities of 5,000 or under.
Washington enacts an anti-liquor Search and Seiz-
ure law.
Congress appropriates an additional $500,000 for
army canteen substitutes.
Five no-license towns are added to the dry column
in Connecticut.
One county in Montana votes dry.
Fifty-seven additional towns and cities in Ohio
adopt no-license under the Beal law, and 450 convic-
tions of saloon violators are secured in the same State.
Cases against saloon and dive keepers in Maryland
result in 430 convictions.
Dr. P. A. Baker is elected General Superintendent
of the Anti-Saloon League of America, at the Eighth
National Convention of the Anti-Saloon League of
America held December 9-11 in Washington, D. C.
Twenty of the twenty-seven municipal local option
elections in North Carolina result in Prohibition vic-
tories.
Congress passes an Act to Regulate the Immigration
of Aliens into the United States, which provides that
no intoxicating liquors shall be sold in any immigrant
station (Act approved March 3, 1903).
Congress inserts a clause in the Immigration Act,
providing that "no intoxicating liquors of any char-
274 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
acter shall be sold within the limits of the Capitol
building of the United States."
A convention is called by the Five Civilized Tribes
which takes action for opposing any scheme of state-
hood for Oklahoma that would endanger the Prohibi-
tion laws of the Territory.
1904
Anti-Saloon Leagues are organized in Kentucky,
Idaho, Oklahoma and Indian Territory.
Oregon adopts a local option law.
The Brannock residence district option law for
cities passes the Ohio Legislature, after being muti-
lated by action of Governor Myron T. Herrick.
Virginia reduces the number of saloons in that State
by 230.
California reports fifty cities and towns under no-
license.
The number of licensed bar-rooms in the District of
Columbia is reduced to 639.
The anti-saloon forces secure the election of a Pro-
hibitionist member of the Illinois Legislature from
the city of Peoria, the world's whisky center.
A movement is inaugurated in Indian Territory for
Prohibition statehood.
The Iowa Legislature enacts an anti-bootleggers'
bill and inebriates' bill and passes a resolution urging
Congress to amend the interstate shipment law in such
a way as to prevent the shipment of liquors from one
State to the dry territory of another.
The Legislature of Kentucky passes an act to pre-
Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906 275
vent the selling of intoxicating liquors by wholesale
in any territory where the retail trade is prohibited.
Seven counties in Missouri vote dry and 200 sa-
loons are closed in the State.
The National Convention of the Prohibition Party
at Indianapolis, Indiana, nominates Silas C. Swallow
of Pennsylvania for President and George W. Carroll
of Texas for Vice-President. In the election the
party receives 258,787 votes.
The aggregate vote in the Iowa County elections
shows a license majority in the State of 52,358.
The Ninth National Convention of the Anti- Saloon
League of America is held November 16-18 at Colum-
bus, Ohio.
1905
Six anti-liquor laws are passed by the Legislature
of New York.
Forty-two cities and towns in Wisconsin begin the
work of enforcing various laws against saloons and
three temperance measures are passed by the Wiscon-
sin Legislature.
The Moore amendment to the Nicholson law of In-
diana is enacted, making remonstrances applicable to
all requests for licenses in a township. Under this
law seventy-four Indiana townships go dry.
North Carolina passes an amendment to the Watts
law prohibiting saloons outside of towns of 500 or
more.
Five Oregon counties abolish the saloons.
Virginia abolishes one hundred dramshops.
One hundred and fifty-three injunctions against
liquor venders are secured in Iowa.
276 Non-Partisan Movement, 1893-1906
Ninety-one Iowa druggists are deprived of their
liquor-selling permits because of law violations.
One hundred and sixty-three convictions against sa-
loonkeepers are secured in Minnesota, and the saloons
are closed on Sunday in Minneapolis.
Nebraska witnesses a decrease of 114 in the number
of saloons.
Governor Herrick, of Ohio, is defeated for re-elec-
tion by a majority of over 44,000 by the anti-saloon
forces who thus resent his mutilation of the residence
district option bill for cities.
The Tenth National Convention of the Anti-Saloon
League of America is held November 21-24 at In-
dianapolis.
CHAPTER VIII
Non-Partisan State Prohibition Movement
1906-1913
BY 1906 the non-partisan movement for Pro-
hibition had come to be generally considered
as representing the most effective method of
fighting the liquor traffic. The Anti-Saloon
League had been organized in practically every state
and territory. Many other temperance organizations
had been and were doing effective service in connec-
tion with the many phases of the temperance reform,
but the Anti- Saloon League had come to occupy a
place of leadership in the political and legislative
phases of the whole Prohibition movement.
Prior to 1906 the Anti-Saloon League did not feel
justified in making a general campaign for state-wide
Prohibition. There were many reasons for this atti-
tude, the chief of which was to be found in the historic
policy of the League, which was to go only so far and
so fast in legislative efforts as the public sentiment of
the state would justify.
The leaders of the Anti-Saloon League fully recog-
nized the fact that the temperance reform could not
be successfully acomplished by any short-cut route ;
that the mere passage of a law or the adoption of a
state constitutional amendment would not secure
Prohibition ; that any law without the people behind
it could never be permanently effective, and that in
278 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
the last analysis the success of Prohibition in the
United States was dependent upon the slow but only
sure process of the creation of temperance sentiment,
the crystallization of that sentiment into public opinion,
and the final expression of that public opinion in the
drafting, enacting, and enforcing of prohibitory law.
From the very beginning the leaders of the Anti-
Saloon League had insisted upon such a program and
had consistently refused to be persuaded or driven
from strict adherence to such a program. The radical
clement of the Prohibition forces had repeatedly de-
nounced the League and its policy as compromising
and even unmoral. In numerous instances where the
League had refused to be coerced into a premature
fight for state Prohibition it had been charged with
having been afraid to fight or with having been cor-
rupted by the liquor interests, yet the League still in-
sistently held to its course, which in the long run was
bound to demonstrate the wisdom of those who were
responsible for its methods and plans.
The political policy of the Anti-Saloon League had
always been broad-guage, in that the League had con-
stantly refused to lend itself to any political move for
Prohibition which appeared to be too far advanced for
the temperance public to support. Consequently its
efforts in state legislative bodies were always based
upon the degree of advancement to which the senti-
ment of the state had attained. The League recog-
nized the fact that members of a state Legislature
were peculiarly sensitive, on most public questions, to
the sentiment of a majority of their voting constitu-
ency, and that this was especially true where such
issues had been raised and had become prominent in
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 279
local contests in the districts which they represented.
It had observed that as a rule members of a state
Legislature from no-license districts were to be found
supporting measures proposed for the suppression of
the liquor traffic, while those representing license dis-
tricts usually opposed restrictive temperance legisla-
tion. There were, of course, exceptions to the rule
both ways, but in the aggregate the vote for and
against vital temperance legislation very closely indi-
cated the number of legislators from Prohibition and
license communities.
This being true, the leaders of the Anti-Saloon
League took the ground that until a majority of the
people in a majority of state legislative districts had
reached the point of open hostility to the liquor traffic,
efforts of the temperance forces could better be
directed toward building sentiment and suppressing
the liquor traffic in the local communities than in mak-
ing a fight for state-wide Prohibition without some
probability of success. The experience of the temper-
ance forces in the state Prohibition contests of the
fifties and the eighties had been helpful in suggesting
the necessity of having a strongly organized public sen-
timent for enforcement back of any state prohibitory
law or state constitutional amendment. The Anti-
Saloon League was determined to profit by the un-
happy experiences of the past. The League, moreover,
very well understood that when the fight began in
earnest for state prohibitory legislation in a few states,
the psychological effect would inevitably be the pro-
jection of state-wide Prohibition campaigns in many
states where the temperance sentiment was not suf-
ficiently strong to justify such campaigns.
280 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
By 1906, however, the progress of the anti-saloon
movement in local option contests throughout the
United States had reached the point where in almost
half the states of the Union a majority of the mem-
bers of the state Legislatures represented districts in
which the majority of the voting population had been
favorable to Prohibition. More than one-third of the
population of the United States was living in territory
which was under Prohibition by vote of the people.
Moreover, it had been found that local Prohibition in
municipalities, villages and counties, could not be fully
enforced when such local units were bordered by
license districts, and that the maintenance and en-
forcement of Prohibition in local areas required state
action which would permit the Prohibition majorities
in no-license districts to join with the Prohibition
minorities in license districts to secure a majority
expression for Prohibition in the state as a unit.
This all indicated that the time had come for the
anti-liquor forces in many states to strike for state-
wide prohibitory legislation, while in other states it
was apparent that the part of wisdom was to continue
efforts for local option legislation or the securing of
local Prohibition under local option laws already on
the statute books.
The signal for the new crusade in the interest of
state prohibitory legislation was the appeal for state-
hood by the people of the Territory of Oklahoma and
the Indian Territory. The first legislative contest for
Prohibition in connection with the appeal for state-
hood of this proposed new state came in the halls of
the United States Congress. Indian Territory had
been under Prohibition by Federal law. Congress
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 281
recognized the fact that the solemn obligation between
the Federal Government and the Indians demanded
that protection against the liquor traffic for the Indian
Territory should be included in any statehood enabling
act which Congress might pass. Prohibition for the
Indian Territory portion of the proposed new state
therefore was insured by act of Congress for a period
of 21 years after Oklahoma should come into the
Union as a state. Another battle came in the consti-
tutional convention in Oklahoma in which the anti-
liquor forces of the Territory were finally successful,
securing the submission of a Prohibition clause in the
proposed Constitution.
Under the enabling act of Congress the vote for the
adoption of a state Constitution and the vote on a
prohibitory clause in that Constitution were taken in
1907, with the result that the people of the proposed
new state adopted constitutional Prohibition by a
majority of over 18,000. The eflfect of this success-
ful effort for Prohibition in Oklahoma electrified the
moral forces of other states, and the struggle for state
prohibitory legislation was promptly inaugurated in
many commonwealths, especially in the southern part
of the nation.
Alabama passed a prohibitory statute in 1907, which
became effective on January 1, 1909. A prohibitory
amendment was rejected by vote of the people in 1909
and as a result the complexion of the state Legislature
was changed and the state-wide prohibitory statute
was repealed in 1911.
Georgia adopted Prohibition in 1907, the law be-
coming effective on January 1, 1908. For several
years the law was not well enforced so far as the sale
282 NON-PARTISAN MOVEMENT, 1906-1913
of beer was concerned. An attempt in 1911, however,
to repeal the prohibitory law by the adoption of a beer
amendment failed. The enforcement provisions were
later amended and improved and the prohibitory law
remained upon the statute books until National Con-
stitutional Prohibition went into effect in 1920.
By action of the Tennessee Legislature in 1907
saloons were banished from all but four counties of
the state. Two years later state-wide Prohibition went
into effect. Mississippi adopted a prohibitory law in
1908, thus bringing under prohibitory legfislation the
seven remaining license counties of that state. The
people of North Carolina during the same year also
adopted Prohibition by a majority of 44,000.
Both houses of the Arkansas Legislature in 1909
passed Prohibition measures. The resolutions, how-
ever, were not alike and each house refused to pass
the prohibitory measure adopted by the other. State
Prohibition for Arkansas, therefore, was delayed. In
1911 the Legislature submitted Prohibition to a vote
of the people, but it was rejected by a majority of
16,000. Kansas in 1909 greatly strengthened the state
Prohibition law, prohibiting the sale of intoxicating
liquors with the single exception of that for sacra-
mental use. The state of Wyoming during the same
year prohibited the sale of all intoxicating liquors in
territory outside of incorporated towns and villages.
The lower house of the West Virginia Legislature
passed a Prohibition bill in the session of 1909, but
the measure failed of passage in the Senate. Three
years later, when the people had an opportunity to
vote on the question of a state prohibitory amendment
to the Constitution, Prohibition was adopted by a
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 283
majority of more than 92,000. A proposal to submit
Prohibition to the people of Texas carried in the
Texas state primaries in 1910 by a majority of 30,000
votes. When the question was submitted, however, in
1911, Prohibition was defeated by a majority of
approximately 7,000 out of a total of 466,000 votes.
State-wide constitutional amendments providing for
Prohibition were defeated in 1910 in the states of
Missouri, Florida and Oregon, the adverse majority
in Missouri being more than 200,000, while the
majorities in Florida and Oregon were about 4,600
and 20,000 respectively.
The state of Ohio suffered a Prohibition reaction
in 1912 by the incorporation of a license clause in the
Constitution of the state and the repeal of county
local option.
During this period of state-wide Prohibition effort,
a number of states where sentiment did not justify an
immediate state-wide fight, nevertheless made rapid
progress in adding to no-license territory under local
option provisions. A general local option law was
enacted by the Legislature of Illinois in 1907 under
the operations of which in the first general election
in the spring of 1908, 1,053 townships in the state
voted against license and more than 1,500 saloons
were abolished by vote of the people in a single day.
Two of the three counties of Delaware also went
under local Prohibition by the local option route the
same year.
In 1908 the local option laws in the state of Michi-
gan, South Carolina, Oregon and Colorado were
strengthened, with the result that before the close of
the period, 33 counties in Michigan, 31 counties in
284 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
South Carolina and 100 municipalities in Colorado had
abolished the saloon. Under the local option law of
Oregon, 23 counties had voted for Prohibition prior
to 1910, but on account of a constitutional amendment
adopted that year, excluding cities from the operation
of the county option law, a number of the larger towns
and cities in no-license counties went back to the
license system. The municipal local option law of the
state of Washington and the county local option laws
in the states of Idaho, Arizona and Utah, were en-
acted by their respective Legislatures in 1909. In the
case of Utah, however, the measure was vetoed by
the Governor.
At the beginning of the period, three states were
under state-wide Prohibition. Before the end of the
period seven additional states had been added to the
Prohibition column. One, however, repealed the law
in 1911, thus leaving nine states under state-wide pro-
hibitory laws at the end of the period. Campaigns for
state-wide Prohibition, moreover, had already been
inaugurated in approximately half of the remaining
states, and 15 state capitals were under no-license.
Considerable progress was also made during this
per'od toward advanced temperance legislation in the
United States Congress. Several additional appropri-
ations for recreation buildings at army posts were
granted by Congress. The National C. O. D. Liquor
Shipment bill was passed in 1909 and the Jones- Works
law providing for numerous restrictions on the sale
of intoxicating liquors in the District of Columbia was
enacted in 1912.
As state after state was added to the Prohibition
column the problem of enforcement within the borders
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 285
of each state became serious. Under the Federal Con-
stitution and the numerous interpretations of the
provisions of that document by the Supreme Court of
the United States, the Uquor traffic within a state was
subject to state police regulations. The Constitution,
however, also gave to Congress exclusive power over
interstate commerce, consequently while any Prohibi-
tion state had the right to deal directly with shipments
of intoxicating liquor from one point in that state to
another point in the same state, the state Legislature
lacked power to deal adequately with shipments of in-
toxicating liquors coming into the state from outside
points. Numerous efforts had been made to remedy
this condition. Two different laws had previously
been enacted by Congress which were intended to
remedy the difficulty, but under the rulings of the
courts these measures had proved entirely inadequate.
While the C. O. D. law passed by Congress in 1909
helped to relieve the situation to some extent, the
flagrant violations of state laws and state constitu-
tional amendments continued until after a long, hard
fight on the part of the Prohibition forces before
Congress, the interstate liquor shipment bill known as
the Webb-Kenyon law was enacted by Congress in
1913. This law, which was later upheld by the
Supreme Court of the United States, eliminated from
the protection of interstate commerce regulations all
shipments of intoxicating liquors intended for use in
the violation of state laws. This was the crowning
victory of the period, not only because of the direct
results of the operations of this Federal law, but also
because of the fact that the passage of the law under
all the circumstances had committed the Congress of
286 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
the United States to a policy which in reality recog-
nized the liquor traffic as an outlaw trade and which
indicated a special desire on the part of Congress to
assist the states in the complete enforcement of all
prohibitory legislation against the traffic.
The period from 1906 to 1913 was one in which the
accomplishments of the Prohibition forces had a most
important bearing on the entire Prohibition move-
ment throughout the nation. In the first place, it was
demonstrated that the same methods which had
worked so successfully in local communities were
without doubt the best methods to be used in connec-
tion with the fight against the liquor traffic in the state
as a unit. In the second place, it had been repeatedly
demonstrated that the organized moral forces, operat-
ing through legitimate and proper political methods,
could win even in uneven contests against the most
strongly organized liquor interests working through
unscrupulous and corrupt political methods. In the
third place, the backbone of the liquor traffic had been
broken by the significant fact that the Congress of
the United States had committed the Federal Govern-
ment to a policy of supporting state legislative efforts
for the suppression of the traffic.
The following chronology covers the important
events of this period.
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1906-1913
1906
Indiana increases the number of Moore law town-
ship remonstrances to 187, and abolishes the liquor
traffic in seventeen city wards.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 287
Iowa places a time limit on Mulct law saloons.
Georgia extends the local option privilege to all
counties where dispensaries have been installed, and
five additional counties in that State go under Pro-
hibition.
The number of no-license counties in Arkansas is
increased by ten and the total majority recorded
against license in the State of Arkansas is 16,618.
Kentucky passes the county unit local option law,
which results immediately in fourteen new counties
passing into the no-license column. The Governor
orders the closing of Sunday saloons in Louisville.
Two temperance laws are placed on the statute
books of Louisiana.
Thirty-two local temperance measures are passed by
the Maryland Legislature.
Six of the eleven New Hampshire cities and 193
towns vote against license.
Assistant Attorney-General Trickett enforces the
Prohibition law in Kansas City.
Governor Cobb is re-elected in Maine on a platform
declaring for the continuance of Prohibition and law
enforcement.
The Jones Residence District law for cities and a
Search and Seizure law are passed by the Legislature
of Ohio.
Oklahoma shows a reduction of 128 in the number
of saloons.
One thousand law enforcement cases are prosecuted
against liquor law violators in Pennsylvania.
One county, three cities and several towns are won
for no-license in California.
Six additional municipalities vote dry in Virginia.
288 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
The Sunday laws are enforced in Seattle, Tacoma
and other cities in the State of Washington.
Congress appropriates an additional $350,000 for
army canteen substitutes.
The Oklahoma Statehood bill as passed by Congress,
requires the prohibition of the liquor traffic in Indian
Territory, and on Indian reservations for twenty-one
years, and thereafter until the people shall change the
organic law.
Congress prohibits liquor selling in national soldiers'
homes, and appropriates $25,000 for the better en-
forcement of the laws against selling liquor to Indians.
Three Party Prohibitionists are elected to the Illi-
nois Legislature and three are elected to the Minne-
sota Legislature.
The Eleventh National Convention of the Anti-
Saloon League of America is held November 19-22 at
St. Louis, Missouri.
Congress appropriates the sum of $25,000 to sup-
press the traffic in intoxicating liquors among the In-
dians, of which $15,000 is to be used exclusively in the
Indian Territory and Oklahoma.
The Act of Congress of June 21, 1906, amends and
strengthens the Act of December 24, 1872, requiring
collectors of Internal Revenue to keep for public in-
spection a list of those who pay special liquor taxes
within their district.
An Act of Congress is passed "for preventing the
manufacture, sale or transportation of adulterated or
misbranded or poisonous or deleterious foods, drugs,
medicines and liquors, and for regulating the traffic
therein."
Non-Part isAN Movement, 1906-1913 289
1907
Alabama passes a county option law. Jeflferson
County, Alabama, including the city of Birmingham,
votes dry by a majority of 1,800.
Arkansas abolishes all saloons outside of incorpor-
ated towns.
Colorado enacts a local option law.
Connecticut passes three new temperance laws.
The Legislature of Georgia passes a state-wide Pro-
hibition measure.
A Sunday closing law is enacted by the Legislature
of Idaho.
Local option for townships, cities and villages is
adopted by the Legislature of lUinois. One hundred
and forty-one precincts voting in Illinois vote no-
license.
The Delaware Legislature submits the liquor ques-
tion to the vote of the people> with the result that every
place outside of Newcastle County and the city of
Wilmington abolishes the saloons.
Of the thirty-seven county option elections held in
Kentucky, thirty-five go dry.
The Massachusetts Legislature enacts the "pony ex-
press law," aimed at the illicit selling of liquor in dry
territory.
An anti-wine room law is passed by the Legislature
of Montana.
Eight additional dry counties are secured in North
Carolina.
Ohio destroys 350 speakeasies and fifty additional
towns and cities in the State go under local Prohibition.
290 NON-PARTISAN MOVEMENT, 1906-1913
Several provisions are added to the anti-liquor laws
of Nebraska.
A bill calling for resubmission of the Prohibition
question is defeated in the lower House of the Legis-
lature of Maine.
Numerous Prohibition victories are recorded in Mis-
souri, Minnesota and Vermont.
South Dakota passes a Search and Seizure law.
An amendment to the Adams law of Tennessee re-
sults in the exclusion of the saloons from all but four
counties in the State.
Eleven of the thirteen municipalities voting in Vir-
ginia go for Prohibition.
A residence district local option law is passed in
Wisconsin.
Sixty-three additional townships and four counties
are added to the no-license column of Indiana.
Governor Comer of Alabama calls a special session
of the Legislature in November, which passes a state-
wide Prohibition law.
Oklahoma adopts the Prohibition clause of the pro-
posed State Constitution by a majority of 18,103.
The Twelfth National Convention of the Anti-Sa-
loon League of America is held September 16-19 at
Norfolk, Virginia.
Congress appropriates $25,000 to suppress the traffic
in intoxicating liquors among the Indians.
1908
The Georgia Prohibition law goes into eflPect Jan-
uary I.
Illinois in a single day votes 1,053 townships dry,
abolishing thereby over 1,500 saloons.
NON-PARTISAN MOVEMENT, 1906-1913 291
Wisconsin adds one hundred new communities to
the no-license column, and abolishes four hundred sa-
loons.
Thirty-two additional towns in Minnesota are gained
by the anti-saloon forces.
Thirty additional municipalities in Nebraska vote
against license.
Ten additional counties in Michigan abolish the sa-
loons.
Eight additional South Carolina counties go under
Prohibition. Governor Ansell is re-elected on an anti-
saloon platform.
Mississippi passes a state-wide Prohibition law.
North Carolina adopts state-wide Prohibition by a
majority of 44,000.
Twenty-one of the thirty-three counties of Oregon
vote to abolish the saloons under the county option
law.
Forty-two municipalities in Colorado adopt no-
license,
Arkansas registers a total majority against license
in the county option elections of 23,262, and elects an
anti-saloon Governor by 80,000 majority.
Leavenworth, Kansas, the last liquor stronghold of
the State, falls into line by abolishing the "joints."
Governor Stubbs is elected in Kansas on a Prohibi-
tion and law enforcement issue.
South Dakota drives the saloons from Mitchell, and
several other important towns, and elects temperance
men as Governor and United States Senator.
Texas adds twelve dry counties to the no-license
292 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
list, and re-elects Governor Campbell on a straight
anti-saloon issue.
Four hundred drinking places in Virginia are
closed.
Rhode Island abolishes 429 saloons, and passes a
law limiting the number of licenses to one for every
5CX) of the population, and prohibiting the saloon
within 200 feet of a public or parochial school.
Tennessee elects a Legislature pledged to enact
State Prohibition.
United States Senator Carmack is shot down in the
streets of Nashville, and dies a martyr to the Pro-
hibition cause.
Maine and North Dakota both elect Governors
pledged to the strict enforcement of Prohibition.
Two additional counties in California vote dry.
The State of Washington elects a Governor, Lieu-
tenant-Governor and the majority of the members of
the Legislature favorable to local option.
Baltimore, Maryland, closes 393 saloons.
An additional county in Maryland abolishes the
saloon.
Worcester, Massachusetts, with a population of
150,000, for the second time votes for no-license.
Two hundred and fifteen saloons are outlawed in
the State of Massachusetts by elections under the
local option law.
Four hundred and sixty-one saloons are abolished
in Iowa.
Seven hundred and twenty saloons go out of busi-
ness in Indiana bv the remonstrance route.
The Indiana Legislature called in special session
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 293
by Governor Hanly, passes a county local option law.
The Ohio Legislature enacts a county local option
law and provides for resident district Prohibition
upon petition.
In four months fifty-seven counties in Ohio vote
dry, abolishing thereby 1,910 saloons.
More than 11,000 saloons are abolished in the
United States by the operation of Prohibition and
local option laws, during the year.
The Georgia Legislature passes a law licensing
near-beer and locker clubs, which opens the way for
wholesale violations of the State Prohibition law.
Congress appropriates an additional $25,000 to sup-
press the traffic in intoxicating liquors among the
Indians. An appropriation of $3,500 is also made
for this purpose.
The National Convention of the Prohibition Party
meets in Columbus, Ohio. Eugene W. Chafin of
Arizona and Aaron S. Watkins of Ohio are nomin-
ated for President and Vice-President respectively.
1909
The effort of the liquor forces to repeal anti-sa-
loon legislation in Indiana and Ohio fails.
On the first day of January Prohibition laws go
into effect in Alabama, Mississippi and North Caro-
lina.
Tennessee extends the four-mile law to all towns
and cities of the State, which means practically state-
wide Prohibition, and adopts another measure pro-
hibiting the manufacture of liquor in the State.
South Carolina adopts Prohibition with a referen-
dum by counties, an\d as z result of the referendum
294 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
vote, thirty-six of the forty-two counties prohibit the
sale, while the other six retain the county dispensaries.
The lower House of the Missouri Legislature passes
a resolution calling for a vote on the Prohibition
amendment.
Iowa passes five anti-liquor laws limiting the liquor
traffic in various ways.
Maine and New Hampshire both write new restric-
tive law enforcement measures in the statute books.
Washington State passes a municipal and rural
county unit option law, and more than forty places in
the State promptly abolish the saloons.
Idaho enacts a straight county option measure, and
in the first round of elections fourteen of the twenty-
three counties abolish saloons.
Arizona enacts a county option law.
Wyoming abolishes all saloons outside of incorpor-
ated towns.
Kansas passes a stringent measure prohibiting the
sale of liquors for all purposes except for sacramental
use.
Nebraska limits the open saloon to the hours be-
tween 7 a. m. and 8 p. m. Lincoln, Nebraska, and
two counties in the state adopt Prohibition.
Utah passes a county option law which is vetoed by
the Governor after the Legislature adjourns, but the
people of more than half of the counties of the State
are so incensed at the Governor's action that they
abolish the saloons by local decree.
Congress passes a C. O. D. liquor shipment mea*'
uro for the protection of dry territory.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 295
Colorado adds a number of towns to the no-license
column, thereby making eleven no-license counties.
Four additional counties are carried for no-license
in Illinois.
In the fall election, twenty-eight of the thirty-six
places voting in Illinois abolish the saloon.
Nineteen additional counties in Michigan abolish
the saloons.
Twelve counties in Texas adopt no-license.
Three new counties are added to the no-license list
in Kentucky.
Two counties in Pennsylvania adopt Prohibition.
The lower House of the West Virginia Legislature
passes a Prohibition bill. Eight additional counties
in West Virginia vote no-license.
The elections in New York result in a net gain for
the anti-saloon forces of eighty-eight towns.
Sixty counties in Indiana vote no-Hcense.
A number of anti-liquor measures are passed by
the Legislature of Connecticut, one limiting the num-
ber of saloons to one for 500 inhabitants.
Six additional counties in California adopt no-
license.
Six temperance measures are passed by the Legisla-
ture of South Dakota.
A local option bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature
is brought to a vote in the House, but is defeated.
The Florida Legislature passes a bill submitting a
prohibitory amendment to the vote of the people.
The Alabama Legislature submits a prohibitory
amendment to the vote of the people, but the arriend-
ment is rejected.
Stroi^ law ^forc^rti^nt rneasures ite pissed by
296 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
the Legislatures in Georgia and Alabama to assist in
enforcing the statutory Prohibition laws.
The Alabama state-wide Prohibition law goes into
effect on January 1, closing saloons in the four re-
maining wet counties, and thirteen dispensary saloons
in other counties.
Local option elections in California result in the
closing of 439 saloons ; in addition by various methods
500 more are closed in the city of San Francisco, thus
making a total of 939 saloons closed in the State dur-
ing the year.
Local option elections in Connecticut result in
ninety-seven towns voting against license and seventy-
one for license.
Delaware has 76,200 people living in no-license ter-
ritory.
Florida has thirty-five dry counties out of a total of
thirty-seven. Only 330 saloons are left in the State.
Indiana has seventy dry counties out of a total of
ninety-two.
The Governor of Kansas declares that no employee
addicted to drink will be retained in the employ of
the State.
In Kentucky a Legislature strongly favoring pro-
hibitory legislation is elected.
In Louisiana the Gay-Shattuck law goes into ef-
fect January 1. It prohibits the sale of liquor to
whites and negroes in the same building; prohibits
saloons within three hundred feet of any church or
school, and makes it unlawful to throw dice or to
gamble in any form in saloons. Of the about 2,400
saloons in the State, a majority are in New Orleans.
Missouri gains one Prohibition county.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 297
Through the efforts of Chief Special Officer John-
son of the Federal Indian Affairs Department, two
additional counties in Minnesota are placed under
Prohibition.
Nevada reports the largest number of saloons per
capita in the United States. The city of Reno has
one saloon for every twenty male adults, one gam-
bler for every ten male adults and yet there are 2,000
empty rooms in this mining town.
One county and several towns in New Mexico are
added to the Prohibition column. The city council of
Santa Fe adopts a resolution not to grant liquor li-
censes after January 1, 1910.
North Dakota Legislature adopts several stringent
law enforcement measures.
Ohio reports the tax rate in Prohibition counties
decreasing while the tax rate of license counties, for
the most part, is increasing. Prohibition cities show
an increased number of savings bank depositors.
The Oklahoma Legislature passes a more efficient
law enforcement measure.
No-license makes a net gain of three towns in
Rhode Island; twenty-seven places in the state grant
licenses, eleven are under no-license.
In Vermont, twenty-seven towns vote for license,
219 vote for no-license.
Only about 600 saloons remain in Virginia, nearly
all in cities; Charlotteville, the seat of the University
of Virginia, on December 7, for the second time, votes
for Prohibition by an overwhelming majority.
The Legislature of Delaware passes a law pro-
viding for re-submission of the Prohibition question
298 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
in New Castle County; the vote taken in November
results in a majority for license of 748.
The Michigan Legislature enacts a Search and Seiz-
ure law and provides for the limiting of the number
of saloons to one for every 500 of the population.
Only eight counties in Mississippi are added to the
dry column when State Prohibition goes into effect
on January 1, the other sixty-nine counties having
been under Prohibition through the operation of their
county local option law.
The Thirteenth National Convention of the Anti-
Saloon League of America is held December 6-9 at
Chicago, Illinois.
There are 1,622 breweries in the United States,
producing in this fiscal year 56,364,360 barrels of beer.
Congress appropriates $40,000 for suppressing the
liquor traffic among the Indians.
1910
The Legislature of Texas passes a measure making
the sale of liquors in no-license territory a felony
punishable by from three to five years in the peniten-
tiary.
Jasper County, Missouri, including three cities each
having a population of 10,000 or more, votes for local
Prohibition.
The campaign for state-wide Prohibition in Idaho
is launched.
As a result 6f decision of the United States Su-
preme Court, saloons are prohibited on the Milwaukee
Railroad in South Dakota, and other roads in the con-
fin«s 6f r«j«fvatidil5.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 299
By decision of the Supreme Court of the State of
Arkansas, Texarkana is made no-license under the
provisions of the three-mile law.
A monster petition for local option election in the
city of Chicago is turned down by the city board of
election commissioners.
Seven counties in Texas vote for local Prohibition.
Nez Perce county, Idaho, including the city of Lewis-
ton, with a population of 8,000, abolishes the saloons.
The no-license elections in Vermont result in a net
loss of two towns for the temperance forces, thereby
increasing the number of wet towns and cities in the
state to twenty-nine, and decreasing the number of
dry towns and cities to 217.
As a result of local option elections in Minnesota,
the temperance forces make a net gain of twenty-nine
villages, and for the first time in the history of the
State, more than half the towns voting go for Pro-
hibition.
A general local option bill in the Legislature of
Maryland is defeated by a majority of two votes.
Of thirty-six counties voting on the local option
question in Michigan, twenty adopt no-license, mak-
ing a net increase of ten counties for the temperance
forces, and voting out of business 319 saloons.
The liquor forces win in several city local option
elections in Illinois, including those held in Rockford,
Decatur, De Kalb, Dixon and Belvidere, while the
city of Monmouth changes from license to no-license,
the city of Galesburg remains no-license, and the
smaller towns and villages for th^ most part record
tfertipcranoe victoria.
300 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
A large number of towns and cities in California
vote for Prohibition, while several other cities under
Prohibition, re-submit the question, but remain in the
no-license column.
The largest number of no-license elections ever
held in the State take place in Wisconsin, resulting in
a net gain of about twenty-five counties for the Pro-
hibition forces.
Fifty- four saloons are voted out of twenty-one
towns and cities in South Dakota.
Saloons are closed in the New Mexico cities of
Roswell, Endee, Tres Piedras and Shoemaker.
The Minnesota cities of Fergus Falls, Wasseka,
Blue Earth and Kasson, vote no-license.
Bonner County, Idaho, banishes the liquor traffic.
Lansing, the State capital of Michigan, together
with many other cities and towns in that State, close
saloons as a result of the county option elections.
United States Senator Crawford, of South Da-
kota, introduces a bill in the Senate to prohibit the
sale of Federal revenue stamps to persons in Prohi-
bition territory.
The Supreme Court of Washington upholds the
local option law in that State.
Lincoln, Nebraska, votes to remain under Prohibi-
tion.
Forty saloons are abolished in Idaho between Jan-
uary 1 and June 15, 1910.
Hancock County, Kentucky, votes to remain under
Prohibition, Warren County adopts Prohibition, and
Bowling Green goes for license by a small majority.
Serventecn precincts in Mendodno County, Califor-
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 301
nia, are made Prohibition territory by a local option
ordinance.
The Supreme Court of Kansas decides that a club
can not maintain lockers in which its members keep
liquors for private use.
Three Wisconsin towns go under Prohibition by the
use of the remonstrance law.
Territory in Arizona, containing 320 square miles,
votes for Prohibition under the precinct provision of
the local option law.
Carl Etherington, a special officer, who is compelled,
in self-defense, to shoot a speakeasy keeper as a re-
sult of a raid in Newark, Ohio, is lynched by a
drunken mob on the public square of Newark.
The number of saloons in Baltimore, Maryland, is
reduced from 1,600 to 1,406 in one year.
Hon. William Jennings Bryan makes a fight in the
Democratic Convention of Nebraska for a county op-
tion plank.
Elections held in the counties of Arkansas show a
majority against license in the State of 23,262.
Hamilton and Harrison Counties in Texas adopt
Prohibition.
Winchester and Fredericksburg, Virginia, vote to
remain under Prohibition.
Potter County, Texas, goes for license, being the
first of 166 Prohibition counties to reject Prohibition
in three years time.
All the saloons in six counties of Minnesota are
closed, and large sections of two other counties are
made Prohibition territory by order of the Interior
Department.
302 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
Of the forty-nine cities and towns voting under the
local option law of Washington, twenty-eight go for
Prohibition, including the two seaport cities of Bell-
ingham and Everett,
GriDvemor R. S. Vassey, of South Dakota, is re-
elected in spite of liquor opposition.
Eight cities and twenty-three towns in New Hamp-
shire vote for license, while three cities and 201 towns
vote against license.
The anti-liquor forces of Tennessee score a great
victory in the election of Governor Hooper and a ma-
jority of the Legislature favorable to Prohibition.
A prohibitory amendment to the Constitution of
Florida is defeated by a majority of 4,372.
California elects a Governor and a majority of the
Legislature favorable to local option.
Two state-wide Prohibition measures are defeated
in Oregon by 20,000 majority, and the liquor amend-
ment giving home rule on the liquor question to cities
is carried by 3,000 majority.
The county option elections in Arkansas result in
seven license counties adopting Prohibition.
The Democratic Legislature of Maine repeals the
Sturgis Prohibition law enforcement measure and re-
submits the state prohibitory amendment to a vote of
the people of the State.
An effort on the part of the liquor forces to repeal
the State Prohibition Amendment in Oklahoma re-
sults in a Prohibition majority at the polls of 21,077
out of a total vote of 231,159.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 303
Congress appropriates $50,000 to suppress the liq-
uor traffic among the Indians.
The city of Denver, Colorado, remains under li-
cense by a large majority.
The number of saloons is reduced in Connecticut,
leaving about 1,900 in operation.
Rural Newcastle County, Delaware, remains wet by
a majority of 748 on November 8.
Chief of Police Oilman goes into office in Bangor,
Maine, on March 1 and begins a vigorous enforce-
ment of the prohibitory law.
Eight out of twelve county elections in Missouri
result in Prohibition victories. A prohibitory consti-
tutional amendment is defeated in Missouri by a ma-
jority of over 200,000.
Oklahoma elects a large number of State and county
officers pledged to strict enforcement of the prohibitory
law.
The Supreme Court of Tennessee, in October, up-
holds the law, making the possession of Federal li-
censes prima facie evidence of the violation of the
Prohibition law.
1911
Only about 2,000 saloons remain in Delaware, the
most of them in the city of Wilmington.
In the District of Columbia there are 635 liquor
licenses of all kinds, one for every 521 of population.
The Moon law, limiting the number of saloons in
Iowa, is upheld by the Supreme Court December 18,
and 247 saloons closed at once.
Of 119 counties in Kentucky 95 are dry.
304 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
The "Bar and Bottle law" in Massachusetts, pro-
hibiting the sale of bottled goods or liquor sold to
be taken out, goes into effect May 1.
The state-wide Prohibition law of Alabama is re-
pealed by the enactment of a county local option law.
Of the thirteen counties in Alabama holding elec-
tions under the new local option law, six vote against
Prohibition (one voting for dispensary and five for
saloons), while seven vote for Prohibition.
The Colorado Legislature refuses to pass two meas-
ures introduced by the liquor advocates to mutilate
temperance laws already on the statute books.
The result of the local option elections in Connect-
icut shows ninety-five towns voting for no-license and
seventy-three towns voting for license.
The Legislature of California enacts a local option
measure which provides for a vote on the liquor ques-
tion in each incorporated city and town, making su-
pervisorial districts outside of municipalities voting
units for the purposes of the act.
As a result of the operation of the new local option
law in California, many victories are won by the tem-
perance forces, bringing the amount of Prohibition
territory up to 42 per cent of the State's area and
closing the saloons in thirty towns and ten supervis-
orial districts.
Laws are passed in California prohibiting saloons
within one and one-half miles of Stanford University
or within three miles of the State Agricultural College.
The General Assembly of Delaware passes a drug-
gists' prescription bill which proves to be a splendid
temperance measure.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 305
Florida adds one more county to the Prohibition list,
thereby bringing the number of no-license counties in
that State up to thirty-six out of a total of forty-eight
and leaving only sixteen license towns and cities in the
entire State.
The Tippins near-beer bill develops a strength of
three to one in the Georgia House of Delegates on
roll call, but is defeated by a filibuster.
The Georgia Legislature passes a law making the
possession of a United States tax receipt prima facie
evidence of the violation of the State liquor laws.
Reports from Idaho show that the temperance
forces have carried seventeen out of twenty-two
county option elections and that only 165 saloons are
left in the State.
The General Assembly of Illinois enacts three new
temperance laws, thereby prohibiting drinking and
drunkenness on railroad trains and interurban cars,
establishing a Prohibition zone within a radius of
two-thirds of a mile around the Soldiers' and Sailors'
Home at Quincy, and prohibiting the sale, gift or use
of liquor in any State park.
The Illinois liquor interests are overwhelmingly de-
feated in their attempt to repeal the township local
option law of that State.
The liquor interests of Indiana, led by a brewer
Senator, succeed in persuading the Legislature to re-
peal the county option law and to enact a law provid-
ing for city and township units substituted therefor.
Another measure protecting the liquor interests is
passed by the Legislature.
Forty-six dry counties in Indiana go back to sa-
306 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
loons on account of the repeal of the county option
law, leaving only twenty-four Prohibition counties out
of ninety-two in the State and reducing the number
of Prohibition townships to 825 out of a total of 1,015.
A stringent law is passed by the Legislature of
Kansas prohibiting the sale of any liquid containing a
trace of alcohol to any person in Kansas for any pur-
pose whatsoever, except for sacramental use.
Every candidate on the State ticket in Kentucky
who is supported by the liquor interests where the
temperance question is involved, is defeated for nom-
ination.
After a vigorous campaign in the State of Maine,
a vote is taken on September 11 on the question of
the repeal of the Prohibition law of that State, with
the result that Prohibition is retained by a majority
of approximately 750 votes.
Out of twelve candidates for the House of Dele-
gates in the Second and Third legislative districts of
Maryland, five declare for local option and four of
the five are elected, while not one of the seven who
kept quiet on the local option question is elected.
Reports from Massachusetts show that there have
been steady gains in no-license campaigns and that
there are four more dry cities and six more dry towns
in that State than in 1906.
As a result of the county option elections in Mich-
igan, there are thirty-nine wholly dry counties in the
State, which show a gain of thirty-eight dry counties
in four years, during which time 1,200 saloons and
eighteen breweries have been closed.
EflForts of the liquor forces in the Michigan Legis-
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 307
lature to defeat county option and to permit the oper-
ation of breweries in dry counties, as well as the oper-
ation of saloons on most holidays, are defeated ; while
on the other hand, several helpful temperance laws
are passed, among which are laws governing the writ-
ing of prescriptions for liquor.
The State Fair of Michigan is dry for the first time
in its history.
Great gains are made in the popular vote for a
county option Legislature in' Minnesota.
The local option bill in the Minnesota Legislature is
voted on for the first time in both Houses of the Leg-
islature, but meets defeat.
A county option bill passes the Missouri House of
Delegates by a large majority, but is defeated by
being sent to an unfriendly committee in the Senate.
Every local option election in the State of Missouri
during the year is won by the temperance forces, the
majorities in all cases being larger than ever before.
County option is defeated in the Nebraska Legisla-
ture by one vote in each House, but a helpful law is
enacted providing for an election on the saloon ques-
tion upon the petition of thirty freeholders or a ma-
jority if there are less than sixty in the corporation,
the vote to be mandatory on the license authorities,
which law applies to all towns having a population un-
der 10,000.
An amendment submitted by Congress to make the
Constitution of New Mexico more easily amendable, is
voted upon and carried by 10,000 majority in the new
State, thus making easier the way to Constitutional
Prohibition.
308 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
Five out of sixty-eight legislative bills favorable to
the liquor traffic are passed by the General Assembly
of New York State.
New York reports a large gain in the number of
dry townships.
An effective near-beer law passed by the North
Carolina Legislature in March, becomes operative in
July.
Several dry counties in Ohio vote for the return
of saloons.
Ninety bootleggers are convicted in Oklahoma City
during the year, and, in the aggregate, are fined $31,-
000 and given 9,000 days in jail. Thirty-seven Okla-
homa counties report fines that aggregate $78,000 and
jail sentences aggregating 27,154 days.
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, is made dry by re-
monstrance, including the city of Newcastle, with a
population of 30,000, the largest dry municipality in
the State.
In Rhode Island eight towns, with a population of
15,906, vote for no-license, while thirty towns and
cities with a population of 526,704 vote for license.
The Legislature of South Dakota passes a law re-
quiring saloons to close each night at 9 o'clock, which
affects 500 saloons operating in the State.
Texas votes on a Prohibition Amendment to the
Constitution on July 22. The pro-liquor majority is
less than 7,000 out of a total of nearly 500,000 votes.
Reports show that 168 counties of Texas are entirely
under Prohibition.
Reports from the counties of Texas show that 168
counties of that State are entirely under Prohibition.
At the elections held on March 7, only twenty-eight
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 309
of the 246 towns and cities of Vermont vote for li-
cense, and in twelve of those which vote for license
the majorities are so small that a change of forty
votes, approximately distributed, would have put
them in the no-license column.
The amendment to the charter of Point Pleasant,
West Virginia, making that city dry territory, is sus-
tained by the State Supreme Court.
The Legislature of Wisconsin enacts laws regard-
ing the sale of liquors at public auctions, the appear-
ance of intoxicated persons in public places or on
railroad trains.
Reports from Wisconsin show that the number of
no-license communities in that State has grown from
300 in 1904 to more than 800 in 1911, which 800 com-
munities cover 55 per cent of the State's area.
The Legislature of Idaho enacts a strong Search
and Seizure law.
The Thirty-Eighth National Convention of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union is held Octo-
ber 28-November 2 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Congress appropriates $12,000 to suppress the liq-
uor traffic among the natives of Alaska.
Congress appropriates $80,000 to suppress liquor
selling among Indians.
The Fourteenth National Convention of the Anti-
Saloon League of America is held December 11-14, at
Washington, D. C.
New Jersey reports 50 per cent more saloons than
in fourteen Southern states.
The Pueblo Indians in New Mexico have formed a
total abstinence society of about 500 members and
310 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
temperance missionary work is planned among all of
the tribes.
Sixty-six of the eighty-eight counties of Ohio are
reported under Prohibition on January 1.
A special session of the Texas Legislature appoints
a committee in both Houses to investigate the use of
liquor funds in recent election.
Governor Hooper of Tennessee calls a special con-
ference for November 30 to devise plans for the bet-
ter organization of temperance forces for the enforce-
ment of the prohibitory law.
Utah on June 27, holds local option election in 110
cities and towns. Salt Lake City and Ogden, and
twenty-one other towns, vote for license while eighty-
seven towns and cities vote for Prohibition. One
hundred and one saloons are closed; 235 are left, of
which 141 are in Salt Lake City, and thirty-two in
Ogden.
Eight of the nineteen cities of Virginia are under
Prohibition, as are also 145 of the 161 incorporated
towns.
More people in Washington State are living in Pro-
hibition territory than constituted the entire popula-
tion of the State in 1900.
The West Virginia Legislature submits a Prohibi-
tory Constitutional Amendment to be voted on in No-
vember, 1912.
1912
A vote taken in Arkansas on September 9 on the
question of state-wide Prohibition results in a license
majority of 15,968, there being 69,390 votes for Pro-
hibition and 85,358 votes against Prohibition.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 311
Reports from Arkansas show that there are about
279 saloons in the State, and that these are confined
to twenty-eight towns and cities in twelve counties.
Sixty-seven towns in California vote for Prohibi-
tion.
Several Prohibition victories are recorded in local
option contests in Colorado.
In the Connecticut local option elections ninety-four
towns vote for no-license and seventy-three towns
vote for license.
The largest towns in Kent and Sussex Counties,
Delaware, prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Lafayette County, Florida, votes for Prohibition.
The Prohibition forces of Georgia elect a Legisla-
ture favorable to Prohibition.
Latah County, Idaho, is put under Prohibition by
order of the County Commissioners.
Rockford, Illinois, with a population of 50,000,
votes for Prohibition.
Reports from Indiana indicate that twenty-seven
out of the ninety-four cities of the State are under
Prohibition, and that about 300 of the 360 incorpor-
ated towns are without saloons.
Reports from Idaho indicate that out of 830 incor-
porated cities and towns, 703 are for Prohibition and
that there are seventeen Prohibition counties in the
State, nine of which have only one wet city each.
The Kentucky Legislature removes the exemption
clause from the county unit law, making it apply to
all counties alike. The same Legislature also enacts
several wholesome law enforcement measures.
Muhlenberg, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties,
312 Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913
Kentucky, vote for Prohibition by more than two to
one majority.
A special session of the Maine Legislature rejects a
proposed resolution adopted by the lower House to re-
submit Prohibition to a vote of the people.
The Maryland House of Delegates passes a local
option law, but the measure is defeated by one vote in
the Senate.
Of the 320 towns voting in Massachusetts, seventy-
three vote for license, and 247 vote against license.
As a result of the spring elections in Michigan,
thirty-five counties in that State are dry.
Under a special law enacted by the Michigan Legis-
lature, providing that there shall not be more than
one saloon to every 500 of the population, about 200
upper peninsula saloons are closed on May 1.
Congress appropriates $12,000 for the suppression
of the liquor traffic among the natives of Alaska.
Congress appropriates $75,000 for the suppression
of liquor selling among the Indians.
The National Convention of the Prohibition Party
is held at Atlantic City, N. J. on July 10. Eugene W.
Chafin of Arizona and Aaron S. Watkins of Ohio are
respectively nominated for President and Vice-Pres-
ident.
Connecticut has 2,120 saloons.
The Legislature of Mississippi enacts three new
anti-liquor laws, increasing the penalty for the vio-
lation of the State Prohibition law.
Of twenty-four local option elections in Mississippi,
twenty-two result in Prohibition victories.
In the local option elections in New Hampshire.
Non-Partisan Movement, 1906-1913 313
held on November 5, ninety-one towns vote for license
and 203 towns vote against license, the total no-license
votes being 27,875, while the total license votes arc
14,518.
The illegal sale of liquor on railroads in the State
of New Jersey is stopped.
The House of Representatives in New Mexico
votes to submit a Constitutional Prohibition Amend-
ment to the people by a majority of twenty-seven to
fifteen, but the measure fails to pass the Senate.
By a vote of the people in Ohio, an amendment to
the Constitution is adopted, licensing the traffic in in-
toxicating liquors. Out of a total of 1,250,000 elec-
tors, only 462,000 vote on this question. Eighteen
counties in Ohio vote against Prohibition and twelve
counties vote for Prohibition.
The Supreme Court of the United States hands
down a decision upholding Federal Prohibition in In-
dian territory and certain portions of Indian countries
in Oklahoma.
The United States Supreme Court hands down a
decision upholding the constitutionality of the twenty-
one year Prohibition clause for that portion of the
new state of Oklahoma which was originally Indian
Territory.
The local option elections in Oregon show in the
aggregate a majority of approximately three to one
favorable to Prohibition.
Decided gains are shown for the temperance forces
in the election of members of the Pennsylvania Gen-
eral Assembly.
The Rhode Island local option elections result in
314 Non-Partisan Movement. 1906-1913
seven towns with a population of 16,850 voting for
Prohibition, and seventy-one towns with a population
of 525,760 voting against Prohibition.
The Supreme Court of Tennessee upholds the law
of that State prohibiting the manufacture of intoxi-
cating liquors.
In the annual elections in Vermont, 225 towns vote
for no-license, and twenty-one towns vote for license,
showing a gain of 35 per cent in favor of the no-
license forces over the preceding year.
A resolution permitting the people to vote on state-
wide Prohibition is passed by the lower House of the
Virginia Legislature, but is defeated in the Senate by
a vote of twenty-four to sixteen.
The people of West Virginia on November 5 adopt
a constitutional amendment prohibiting the liquor
traffic by a majority of 92,342 out of a total vote of
235,843; the law becomes effective July 1, 1914.
The Thirty-Ninth National Convention of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union is held Octo-
ber 21-25 at Portland, Maine.
The mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, orders the sa-
loons closed during street car strike.
Twenty-five railroads in Illinois agree not to sell
liquor on their dining cars or any other part of their
equipment.
Cook County, Illinois, has over 7,400 saloons, 7,152
in Chicago. The Chicago Vice Commission presents
alarming statistics on the relation of the liquor traffic
to vice.
At Quincy, Illinois, the saloon zone near the Sol-
diers' Home is removed from one-third to two-thirds
NON-PARTISAN MOVEMENT, 1906-1913 3l5
of a mile from the home; consequently the convic-
tions for drunkenness are reduced from 831 to 319 in
six months.
A special session of the Maine Legislature, con-
vening March 20, refuses to submit an amendment to
the Constitution providing for the substitution of lo-
cal option for Prohibition.
Twenty-two of the twenty-four local option elec-
tions in Missouri are carried for no-license and 60,000
people added to the population living in Prohibition
territory.
Union County, South Carolina, votes for a dispen-
sary making eight dispensary counties and thirty-six
Prohibition counties in the State.
Governor B. W. Hooper, Republican, is re-elected
in Tennessee by united action of the Prohibition voters
of the State.
CHAPTER IX
Non-Partisan Movement for National Constitu-
tional Prohibition — 1913-1919
THE first official declaration by any general
temperance organization for National Con-
stitutional Prohibition was made by the
order of the Sons of Temperance in 1856.
The first resolution introduced in Congress provid-
ing for a prohibitory amendment to the Federal Con-
stitution was presented in the House of Representa-
tives by Congressman Henry William Blair of New
Hampshire on December 27, 1876. In 1885, a pro-
hibitory amendment resolution was presented in the
United States Senate by Honorable Henry W. Blair,
United States Senator from New Hampshire, and
Honorable Preston B. Plumb, United States Senator
from Kansas. This measure was referred to the
Senate Committee on Education. It was reported
favorably by the Senate committee and placed on the
Senate calendar in 1886, but no further action was
taken.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union had re-
peatedly declared for National Constitutional Prohi-
bition both during the leadership of Frances E. Wil-
lard and during the presidency of Mrs. Lillian M. N,
Stevens. The Prohibition party, moreover, had re-
peatedly declared for Prohibition in the national
Constitution, while similar action had been taken by
318 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
the Independent Order of Good Templars, the National
Temperance Society and numerous church bodies
during the last half of the nineteenth century.
Prior to 1913 the Anti-Saloon League of America
had not seen fit to inaugurate a specific campaign in
the interest of National Constitutional Prohibition,
the leaders of the movement believing that the cause
of Prohibition, under the conditions which existed,
could be better served by efforts in the interest of state
and local Prohibition under state legislative enact-
ments.
The leaders of the League, moreover, naturally
applied the same rule regarding legislation in Con-
gress that had been used in determining the proper
time for the inauguration of state-wide Prohibition
campaigns, feeling as they did that it was very natural
to expect that members of Congress would as a rule
represent the sentiment of their respective districts on
Prohibition legislation in Congress as that sentiment
had been expressed in local option or state-wide Pro-
hibition campaigns.
The Anti-Saloon League officials considered that
this point was of greater importance in connection
with the fight for Prohibition in Congress than it had
been in connection with the fight for Prohibition in
any of the states. Under the Federal Constitution the
passage of a resolution submitting to the states an
amendment to the Constitution required a two-thirds
vote. Under the rules of the National House and
Senate, however, amendments to any such resolutions
or changes in any such resolutions as introduced,
could be made by a majority vote. It was entirely
possible, therefore, that a resolution calling for the
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 319
submission of a prohibitory constitutional amendment
in a Congress where a majority of the members were
not favorable might easily have been so emasculated
or changed by a majority vote in Congress as to be
finally submitted in such form as to protect or legally
recognize the liquor traffic as having rights under the
Constitution of the United States. There was, of
course, not much danger of such a thing happening
through the sole efforts of Congressmen favorable to
the liquor traffic, but it was entirely possible for such
a situation to be created in the fight for a constitu-
tional prohibitory amendment as to unite friends and
foes of Prohibition in Congress in such a way as to
give recognition to the liquor traffic which the Con-
stitution had never before given and which the high
courts of the United States had repeatedly refused to
recognize, as inherent rights.
From the Anti-Saloon League viewpoint, therefore,
it was exceedingly important to be reasonably sure of
a majority for Constitutional Prohibition in Congress
before any such measure was introduced or a g^eat
nation-wide campaign inaugurated for securing such
a resolution at the hands of Congress.
In 1913 not only were nine states under state-wide
prohibitory legislation, but the fight for prohibitory
laws had already been inaugurated in more than a
score of other states in most of which a majority of
the population was living in territory made dry by
vote of the people under local option laws. The nine
Prohibition states in 1913 had an aggregate popula-
tion of 14,685,961. In the 31 other states operating
under local option laws the population living in dry
territory at that time was 26,446,810. There were
320 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
three other states having an aggregate population of
3,693,201 in which the Legislatures had provided for
state-wide Prohibition in all sections except those
localities where a majority of the voters agreed to
waive the prohibitory provisions. Two other states
were under state-wide Prohibition for all territory
outside of incorporated villages and cities. Congress,
moreover, had prohibited the liquor traffic in military
forts and reservations, in the United States Navy, in
the National Capitol building at Washington, in
national and state Soldiers' Homes, and in other
specified areas under Federal Government control.
By reason of the operation of all these prohibitory
provisions more than 46,000,000 people (more than
half the population of the United States) in all the
states were living under prohibitory legislation. One-
half of all the people living in license territory were
living in four states. One-fourth of all the people
living in license territory were the residents of six
cities, and more than half of all the saloons in the
United States were located in fourteen cities. More
than 50 per cent of the population and more than
71 per cent of the area of the United States were
under prohibitory laws.
A survey of the national Congressional situation
in 1913 showed that more than a majority of the
members of the national House of Representatives
represented Congressional districts in which the
majority of their constituents were favorable to
Prohibition, as shown by the state, county, munici-
pal and township Prohibition and local option polls.
Hence the Anti- Saloon League felt that the time
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 321
had come for a decisive step to be taken in the in-
terest of National Constitutional Prohibition.
Another factor which strongly influenced the
movement for National Prohibition in 1913 was the
attitude of the Prohibition and near-Prohibition
states on the question of enforcement. Just as it
had been impossible fully to enforce township,
county and municipal Prohibition without state
Prohibition, so it had become apparent that the en-
forcement of state Prohibition would never be per-
manently successful until National Prohibition had
been secured. Consequently it was natural that the
Prohibition majorities in the Prohibition states and
the near-Prohibition states should unite with the
Prohibition minorities in the license states to secure
mutual protection for Prohibition legislation, in
harmony with the desire of the majority in the
larger unit.
The Fifteenth National Convention of the Anti-
Saloon League of America was held in the city of
Columbus, Ohio, in November, 1913. This conven-
tion unanimously and enthusiastically went on rec-
ord in favor of the immediate prosecution of a gen-
eral campaign throughout the length and breadth of
the nation for National Constitutional Prohibition.
Moreover, the Council of One Hundred, the name
of which was afterwards changed to the National
Temperance Council, representing the leading men
and women in all the national temperance reform
organizations of the United States, was organized
in the city of Columbus simultaneously with the
holding of this epoch-marking convention of the
322 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
Anti-Saloon League. From this time forward, all
the leading temperance organizations of the nation
centered their efforts on the movement for National
Prohibition. The National Temperance Council,
organized for the purpose of bringing together for
consultation the leaders of all temperance organiza-
tions, began to play a very important part in the
National Prohibition fight by bringing the reform
leaders into frequent conferences, by eliminating in
some degree the old prejudices which had existed
between the organizations, and by emphasizing the
important matters upon which all the organizations
represented in the body were practically agreed.
The national convention of the Anti-Saloon
League at Columbus in November, 1913, had au-
thorized the selection of a Committee of One Thou-
sand Men to meet in the city of Washington, march
to the Capitol of the United States, and present to
the members of both Houses of Congress the
League's proposed resolution providing for the sub-
mission of National Constitutional Prohibition.
The national Woman's Christian Temperance Union
also organized a Committee of One Thousand
Women for a similar purpose. When these com-
mittees met and formed on Pennsylvania Avenue in
the nation's capital city, the Committee of One
Thousand Men had been increased to a committee
of more than two thousand, while the Committee of
Women had also increased beyond the thousand
mark, so that as the two committees joined forces
they represented a human petition of more than
three thousand American citizens, representing
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 323
practically every state in the Union, appealing to
Congress to submit National Prohibition to the
Legislatures of the several states. The spokesmen
for the Anti-Saloon League Committee on that oc-
casion were Honorable Malcolm R. Patterson, for-
mer Governor of Tennessee, and Ernest H. Cher-
rington, editor of the American Issue and General
Manager of the Anti-Saloon League's Publishing
Interests. Those who spoke for the women were
Mrs. Lillian M. N. Stevens, president of the na-
tional Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and
Mrs. Ella A. Boole, president of the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union of New York state.
The Committee of One Thousand appealed to
Congress in harmony with the spirit of Article One
of the amendments to the Federal Constitution,
guaranteeing "the right of the people peaceably to
assemble and petition the government for a re-
dress of grievances." The committee reminded the
Congress that a majority of the population of the
United States lived under Prohibition; that local
and state Prohibition had been thoroughly tried and
had fully demonstrated the benefits of such a policy
in the diminution of crime, pauperism and insanity
and in the increase of wealth, happiness and the
general prosperity of the people. The committee
called the attention of Congress to the fact that Pro-
hibition had made such progress in the states that
there were fewer saloons left south of Mason and
Dixon's line than were to be found in the single city
of Chicago, and that there were 36 states in the
Union in which the aggregate number of saloons
324 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
was not so large as the number operating in the
single city of New York.
The committee moreover called attention to the
fact that the United States Supreme Court had re-
peatedly declared that there is no inherent right in
a citizen to sell intoxicating liquors at retail ; that
under the Constitution of the United States such an
employment is not a right of a citizen of any state
or of a citizen of the United States, and that under
the American form of government the rights of the
people of the nation as a whole are paramount, just
as the rights of the people of a single state are su-
perior to the rights of the people of any city within
the borders of a state ; and that, since such a large
proportion of the people of the United States had
declared themselves in favor of Prohibition as a
governmental policy the time had come when it was
incumbent upon the Congress of the United States
to submit the question of National Prohibition to
the several state Legislatures.
The committee declared that its action in present-
ing this petition to Congress and the efforts of the
Prohibition forces throughout the United States,
were in full harmony with the objects of the Amer-
ican government, set forth in the preamble to the
Constitution of the United States, namely, "To
form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure
domestic tranquility, provide for the common de-
fense, promote the general welfare, and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."
The proposed resolution providing for the sub-
mission of National Constitutional Prohibition was
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 325
presented by the committee to Honorable Richmond
Pearson Hobson as a member of the National House
of Representatives, and to Honorable Morris Shep-
pard of Texas, as a member of the United States
Senate. The measure was promptly introduced by
these gentlemen in both Houses of the Sixty-Third
Congress and referred to the Judiciary Committee
in each House.
The Hobson Joint Resolution was taken up by
the House of Representatives by the adoption of a
special rule, on December 22, 1914, and on final
vote received 197 votes in its favor with 189 votes
against it, thus failing for lack of a two-thirds ma-
jority necessary for the passage of a resolution pro-
viding for the submission of a constitutional amend-
ment. Fifteen absent members were paired, ten for
the resolution and five against it, while twenty-
seven other members of the House did not vote.
An analysis of the vote in the House of Repre-
sentatives on the Hobson Joint Resolution showed
that the representatives from fifteen states voted
solidly for the resolution, that more than three-
fourths of the members from each of twenty-one
states and a majority of the representatives from
each of twenty-seven states voted for submission,
only seven states giving a solid vote and only
eighteen a majority vote against the resolution.
A joint resolution calling for the submission of a
prohibitory amendment to the Federal Constitution
was introduced in both Houses of the Sixty-Fourth
Congress which convened in December, 1915. The
resolutions were presented in the Senate by Sena-
326 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
tor Morris Sheppard of Texas and Senator J. H.
Gallinger of New Hampshire. In the House the
resolutions were introduced by Representative Ed-
win Y. Webb of North Carolina and Representative
Addison T. Smith of Idaho. On December 14, 1916,
the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of twelve
to seven favorably reported the National Prohibition
resolution which was placed on the House calen-
dar as House Joint Resolution No. 84. On Decem-
ber 21, 1916, the Judiciary Committee of the Senate
by a vote of thirteen to three favorably reported
the National Prohibition Resolution which went on
the calendar of the Senate as Senate Joint Resolu-
tion No. 55. Neither resolution, however, came to
a vote, and both died with the adjournment of the
Sixty-Fourth Congress.
Similar resolutions were presented in both Houses
early in the first session of the Sixty-Fifth Con-
gress and were passed, in the Senate on August 1.
1917 and in the House on December 17, 1917. The
final vote in the Senate was sixty-five to twenty
while the vote in the House was 282 to 128. Slight
amendments were made to the measure when it was
adopted by the House on December 17. The Sen-
ate, however, on the following day voted to concur
in the House amendments and the resolution was
thus finally adopted on December 18, 1917,
An analysis of the final vote on the National Pro-
hibition resolution in the House of Representatives
shows that the representatives of twenty-four states
voted solidly for the measure ; that the votes of
more than three-fourths of eagh Congres^ions^I dele-
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 327
gation in thirty states were cast for the measure,
and that the votes of a majority of each of the Con-
gressional delegations in thirty-six states were re-
corded in its favor, while one-half or more of the
delegation in each of forty-two states were thus re-
corded for submission. The delegations of only
two states voted solidly against the measure and
the delegations of only six states recorded a ma-
jority against it.
An analysis of the vote on the Prohibition Joint
Resolution in the Senate shows that both Senators
from each of twenty-eight states voted in favor of the
resolution, while both Senators from only four states
voted against the resolution. In the case of six-
teen states, one Senator voted for and the other
Senator voted against the resolution.
Something of the progress in the creation of sen-
timent favorable to the submission of a National
Prohibition Amendment is indicated by a compari-
son of the attitude of the state delegations in
the National House of Representatives, when the
Hobson Joint Resolution was voted upon in 1914
and when the Sheppard-Gallinger-Webb-Smith res-
olution was finally passed by the House in 1917.
While the delegations from only fifteen states voted
solidly for the resolution in 1914, the delegations
from twenty-four states voted solidly for the reso-
lution in 1917, and while a majority of the repre-
sentatives from each of twenty-seven states voted
for the resolution in 1914, a majority of the rep-
resentatives from each of thirty-six states voted for
the resolution in 1917.
328 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
The representatives from seven states voted sol-
idly against the resolution in 1914, while in 1917
solid delegations from only two states were re-
corded against it. In 1914 a majority of the repre-
sentatives from each of eighteen states was recorded
against the measure, while in 1917 a majority of
the representatives from each of only six states cast
their votes against it.
In the meantime, Congress, which had so thor-
oughly committed itself to the cause of Prohibition,
enacted numerous measures intended to suppress
the traffic in the territories and in other sections
under Federal control. Prohibition for the District
of Columbia was adopted in the closing hours of
the last session of the Sixty-Fourth Congress, the
measure having passed the Senate on January 9,
1917, and having passed the House on February 28,
1917. Prohibition for Alaska was enacted by Con-
gress in February, 1917, becoming eflFective on Jan-
uary 1, 1918.
Through an enabling act passed by Congress,
Porto Rico was given the right to vote on the Pro-
hibition question, with the result that in July, 1917,
the people of Porto Rico adopted Prohibition by a
large majority, the vote being 99,775 in favor of
and 61,295 against Prohibition, the law going into
effect on March 2, 1918. Prohibition for the Ha-
waiian Islands was enacted by Congress on May 24,
1918. The so-called "Bone-Dry Advertising" Pro-
hibition measure was passed in February, 1917, and
numerous other measures of a restrictive and pro-
hibitive character passed the Congress during the
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 329
years when National Prohibition was being consid-
ered and before the Eighteenth Amendment to the
Constitution was finally ratified.
Aside from the National Prohibition resolution
the most important measure passed by Congress
was that providing for War-Time Prohibition.
Such a bill was presented by Representative Bark-
ley in the House of Representatives on April 26,
1918, and was referred to committee. In May, 1918,
however. Representative Randall presented a bill
for War-Time Prohibition and the same was passed
by a vote of 179 to 137. This measure encountered
opposition in the Senate, however, and the Senate
Committee finally reported a substitute measure
which was passed by the Senate on September 6,
1918. The Randall provision and the provision sub-
stituted by the Senate Committee were both amend-
ments to the General Agricultural Bill and while
the House of Representatives by a vote of 171 to
34 promptly agreed to the substitute amendment by
the Senate, the House disagreed to the other pro-
visions of the agricultural bill. The whole meas-
ure, therefore, was thrown into conference and was
not finally passed by both Houses until November
21, 1918. This law became effective on July 1, 1919.
Ratification of the proposed prohibitory amend-
ment to the Federal Constitution began almost im-
mediately after the passage of the Joint Resolution
by Congress. Mississippi was the first state to
ratify, action being taken by the Legislature of that
state on January 8, 1918. From that time forward,
regular and special sessions of state Legislatures
330 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
continued to act favorably on the question of rati-
fication until on January 16, 1919, thirty-six states
had been reported to the United States Secretary
of State as having ratified the amendment. Other
states promptly followed until on the 25th day of
February forty-five states had ratified this amend-
ment, which had been incorporated in the Constitu-
tion as the Eighteenth Amendment. New Jersey,
Connecticut and Rhode Island were the three states
which failed to take favorable action on ratification.
It is of interest to note that of the first thirty-six
states to ratify the Eighteenth Amendment to the
Constitution, eighty-six per cent of the population
in all these states was living under Prohibition prior
to the adoption of the National Amendment and
ninety-five per cent of the area of these states was
under Prohibition by state laws.
Something of the reflection of the temperance sen-
timent of the several states and Congressional dis-
tricts is shown in the comparative records of the
vote of representatives in Congress and the vote of
state Legislatures on the matter of ratification, in
the first thirty-six states to ratify. Eighty per cent
of the representatives in Congress of these thirty-
six states voted for submission, while eighty-three
per cent of the aggregate members of the Legisla-
tures in these same states voted for ratification.
In the lower Houses of the forty-five states which
finally ratified the amendment, 3,742 votes were
cast for ratification as against 931 votes which were
cast against it, while in the Senates of these forty-
five states, 1,287 votes were cast for and 213 votes
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 331
against ratification. In other words, eighty per
cent of all the members of all the lower Houses of
the forty-five states voted for the ratification of the
Eighteenth Amendment, while eighty-six per cent
of all the members of all the Senates of the forty-
five states voted for ratification.
In addition to those, who as officers of the vari-
ous temperance organizations stood out as leaders
during this period there were a large number of
men and women who shared heavily in the leader-
ship of the fight for National Constitutional Prohi-
bition. Among those deserving special mention in
this connection are : William Jennings Bryan, Rich-
mond Pearson Hobson, Rev. William A. ("Billy")
Sunday, J. Frank Hanly, Louis Albert Banks, Ira
Landrith, Clinton N. Howard, Senator Wesley L.
Jones, Senator J. H. Gallinger, Senator Morris Shep-
pard, Mrs. Mary Harris Armour, Daniel A. Poling,
Doctor Irving Fisher, Lieut.-Colonel Dan Morgan
Smith, Malcolm R. Patterson, and Edwin Y. Webb.
The following Chronology covers the principal
events of the period.
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1913-1919
1913
The Connecticut Legislature passes a bill providing
for a State Farm for drunkards but the measure is
vetoed by the Governor,
A number of vicious measures are introduced in
the Illinois Legislature by the liquor interests but
332 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
every one is defeated. An attempt to repeal the local
option bill fails. A vigorous and determined effort of
the liquor interests to repeal the "Bar and Bottle Law"
of Massachusetts fails.
The "Allison" liquor law enforcement act goes into
effect in Texas on November 19.
The United States Congress passes the Webb-Ken-
yon law over the veto of President William H. Taft,
thus prohibiting shipment in interstate commerce of
intoxicating liquors when such liquors are to be used
in violation of law.
As a result of the elections in Arizona, Maricopa
County is made Prohibition territory in all portions
outside of the city of Phoenix. All of Graham County
and parts of Yuma and Apache Counties vote for Pro-
hibition.
The Going law is adopted in Arkansas February 17,
1913. This measure makes it unlawful for any court,
town or city council to issue a license to sell intoxicat-
ing liquors except in cases where such licenses are
asked for by a petition signed by the majority of the
white adult population within the incorporated towns
or cities where the license is to be issued. Before one
can secure such a license the county must have voted
for license at the last general election in which the
liquor question was an issue.
One hundred and seventeen roadhouses in Sonoma
County, California, are closed on January 1.
The California Legislature passes a law compelling
saloons to close from 2 to 6 o'clock a. m., thus putting
an end to the all-night saloons in San Francisco.
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 ^i^
The Hazel anti-shipping law, passed by the Legis-
lature of Delaware, is sustained by the courts.
The Jones-Works bill restricting the liquor traffic
in the District of Columbia is passed by Congress in
the face of terrific opposition, thus providing for the
reduction of the number of saloons to not more than
300 by November 1, 1914.
Under decision of the Supreme Court of Georgia a
campaign against near-beer saloons and locker clubs
results in the closing of forty-three near-beer saloons
and a number of clubs and hotel cafes in large towns
and cities of the State.
The Idaho Legislature passes strong law enforce-
ment measures.
The Illinois Legislature passes a four-mile dry zone
measure, protecting the University at Champaign and
Urbana.
A residence district local option bill is passed by the
House and Senate of the Illinois Legislature, but is
killed by action of the Speaker.
Of the 28 local option elections held in Illinois on
November 4, 22 result in Prohibition victories, the
women's vote strongly aiding the victors.
Reports from Indiana show that, within fifteen
years, the number of Prohibition towns has been in-
creased from ninety-five to 274, the number of Prohi-
bition cities from none to thirty-two, the number of
Prohibition townships from 350 to 825, the number of
Prohibition counties from two to thirty-two, and the
population in Prohibition territory from 500,000 to
1,600,000.
iM National Prohisition, 1913-1919
An important decision of the Supreme Court of
Iowa on the Mulct law affects many large cities of the
State, and makes it more difficult for saloons to se-
cure licenses.
The Kansas Legislature passes an anti-shipping law
to co-ordinate with the Federal anti-shipping" law.
The Fifteenth National Convention of the Anti- Sa-
loon League of America is held November 10-13 at
Columbus, Ohio.
The enfranchisement of women in Kansas is esti-
mated to have added 300,000 voters to the Prohibition
army.
In six local option elections in Kentucky, each in-
volving a license county seat, the Prohibition forces
win by good majorities, thus making a total of ninety-
nine Prohibition counties in the State as against
twenty-one license counties.
Twelve counties out of sixteen in Maine elect offi-
cials pledged to the strict enforcement of the Prohi-
bition law.
By raising the license in the city of Baltimore from
$250 to $1,000 the number of saloons in that city is
decreased from 2,400 in 1907 to less than 1,500 in
1913.
The records show that almost 1,200 convictions for
the violation of the Prohibition law of Mississippi have
been secured in two years.
In sixteen local option elections in Missouri, be-
tween January and October, the population in Prohi-
bition territory is increased by 143,282, and the num-
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 335
ber of Prohibition counties is increased to seventy-
four.
The elections in New Hampshire result in seven
Hcense cities and seventeen license towns, as against
four no-license cities and 203 no-license towns.
The New Mexico Legislature enacts two local op-
tion laws, one permitting municipalities to vote on the
liquor question, and the other permitting the territory
in any county outside of municipalities to vote on the
question.
The Legislature of North Carolina passes an effec-
tive Search and Seizure law.
Over 5,000 gambling devices are seized and many
pool halls closed in North Dakota.
The Ohio Legislature enacts several law enforce-
ment measures and passes a law providing for the re-
moval of officials who do not enforce law.
The license constitutional provision of Ohio goes
into effect.
Twelve municipalities in Oregon vote for Prohibi-
tion on November 4 including Salem^ the state capi-
tal, thus adding 35,000 to the population of Prohibi-
tion territory in the State.
The Oregon Legislature enacts a number of meas-
ures governing the sale of intoxicating liquors out-
side of municipalities.
A local option bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature
receives eighty-three votes in the House as against
seventy-four in 1911, and sixty-six in 1909.
The number of retail licenses in the State of Rhode
Island is decreased by about 300 during the year.
336 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
Five excellent temperance laws are enacted by the
Legislature of South Dakota. By the operation of
one of these laws, all but 375 saloons in the State are
closed.
An extra session of the Tennessee Legislature is
called by Governor Hooper to pass the nuisance bill
and the anti-shipping bill.
As a result of elections in Vermont, only eighteen
towns and cities in the state license the liquor traffic.
The West Virginia Legislature passes the Yost law,
which is conceded to be the most stringent Prohibition
enforcement statute in the United States.
The State Supreme Court of Wyoming upholds the
constitutionality of the Sunday closing law.
The Oklahoma Legislature amends the Prohibition
law, making it a felony to keep a place for the purpose
of violating that law anywhere in the State.
The Legislature of Michigan enacts the Lee law
prohibiting drinking on other than dining cars, and
prohibiting drunken men from riding on trains.
The Missouri Legislature enacts a county unit law
which is to be operative throughout the state without
exempting cities. The liquor interests, however, se-
cure a referendum on the measure, and it is de-
feated at the polls.
Although Nebraska had voted under the initiative
by a majority of 15,000 in favor of county option, the
Legislature fails to pass the law.
The Florida Legislature enacts an anti-shipping and
"blind tiger" Search and Seizure law.
The Georgia State Senate by a vote of five to one
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 337
passes an anti-shipping law, but the measure is de-
feated in the House.
Minnesota enacts a municipal local option law.
The number of saloons in Ohio is reduced from
7,800 to 5,300 by the various provisions of the new
law.
The Fortieth National Convention of the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union is held October 31-No-
vember 5 at Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Congress appropriates $12,000 to suppress the liq-
uor traffic among the natives of Alaska and $75,000 for
the suppression of the liquor traffic among the Indians.
1914
Arizon adopts a prohibitory constitutional amend-
ment which goes into effect January 1, 1915.
At the November election in Colorado the Prohi-
bition Amendment to the State Constitution sub-
mitted to a vote of the people is adopted by a majority
of 11,752. The amendment goes into effect January
1, 1916.
Oregon adopts state-wide Prohibition by a major-
ity of 36.480, the Prohibition vote being 136,841 and
the license vote being 100,362. Thirty-two of the
thirty-four counties in the State record Prohibition
majorities.
The bill for an election on state-wide Prohibition
which failed in several previous Legislatures in Vir-
ginia is adopted in the Virginia House of Delegates by
an overwhelming vote and in the Senate by the casting
of the deciding vote on a tie by the president of that
body. The election under this enabling act is held
September 22, and Prohibition is adopted by a major-
338 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
ity of 30,365 out of a total of 150,000 votes. The law
becomes effective November 1, 1916.
A Prohibition amendment to the Constitution of the
State of Washington which is voted upon in the No-
vember election, is adopted by a majority of 18,632
out of a total of 361,048 votes, which number is
larger by 42,000 than the vote cast at any other elec-
tion ever held in the State.
The vote on the Prohibition amendment in Califor-
nia in November results in a wet victory by a large
majority.
The local option elections in Connecticut result in
eighty-seven towns voting for no-license and eighty-
one voting for license.
Beginning with November 1, 1914, the license fee
in the District of Columbia is increased in the case of
barrooms to $500 and in the case of wholesale places
to $800.
The three political parties in Idaho pledge them-
selves in their platforms to the submission of a consti-
tutional amendment prohibiting the liquor traffic.
As a result of the spring elections in Illinois twenty-
three counties are added to the Prohibition column,
making a total of fifty-one counties in the State where
the liquor traffic has been outlawed. As a result of
these elections, 1,150 saloons are closed in Illinois,
900 of which are shown to be closed as the result of
the women's vote.
The election of Senator Lawrence Y. Sherman to
the United States Senate from Illinois, in face of the
terrific opposition of the liquor forces, records an-
other significant Prohibition victory.
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 339
Two of the leading candidates for United States
Senate in Pennsylvania advocate county local option.
In the Vermont local option elections twenty towns
vote for license, which is the smallest number voting
for license in any year since 1903. The total major-
ity throughout the State against license is 10,195,
which is the largest majority yet recorded.
The Prohibition law of West Virginia goes into ef-
fect July 1, and is rigidly enforced.
In the spring elections in Wisconsin, thirty-three
incorporated cities and villages previously under li-
cense vote for Prohibition, and only one village pre-
viously under Prohibition votes for license.
The fall elections in Connecticut result in adding
13,000 to the population living under no-license in the
State.
In the fall election, a candidate running for Gov-
ernor of Kansas on a resubmission platform receives
only about one vote in every ten, indicating that ap-
proximately 90 per cent of the people of Kansas, re-
gardless of party affiliations, are favorable to Pro-
hibition.
Up to November 5, there are issued for the State
of Kansas, 263 liquor revenue receipts, 136 of which
are for three counties. In seventy-three of the 105
counties of the State, not a single Federal liquor tax
receipt is issued.
The Kentucky Legislature amends the local option
petition law so that 25 per cent of the voters in any
county is sufficient to call an election.
A strong Anti-Shipping law and a Search and Seiz-
ure law are enacted by the Kentucky Legislature.
340 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
In the election of former Governor J. C. W. Beck-
ham to the United States Senate, the temperance
forces of Kentucky score a decided victory.
During the year, the population Hving in no-license
territory in Maryland is increased by 60,435, while the
no-license area is increased by 1,548 square miles, clos-
ing thereby 105 saloons in the State.
The Massachusetts No-License League and the
Massachusetts Anti-Saloon League are merged into
one body under the name of the Anti-Saloon League.
Reports from Michigan show that there are now
thirty-four Prohibition counties in that State, more
than 1,200 saloons and twelve breweries having been
closed under the provisions of the local option law
during four years.
As a result of the November election in Minnesota,
a majority of the members-elect of both Houses of
the Legislature are favorable to county option.
A strong Anti-Shipping law is passed by the Legis-
lature of Mississippi.
A majority of the members of the Missouri Legis-
lature elected in November are favorable to advance
temperance legislation.
Every city and town in New Hampshire votes on
the liquor question, with the result that the total li-
cense vote is 32,707 as against a total no-license vote
of 40,439, showing a majority of 7,663 for no-license,
which is the largest no-license majority ever given in
the State.
Two constitutional amendments affecting the liquor
traffic are submitted to a vote of the people in Ohio;
one of these amendments presented by the Prohibition
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 341
forces providing for state-wide Prohibition is de-
feated by a majority of 83,000, although the Prohibi-
tion forces muster more than 504,000 votes. The
other amendment presented by the liquor interests re-
pealing the county option law is adopted by a ma-
jority of 12,000 on the face of the returns.
On December 22 the Hobson resolution providing
for the submission of a prohibitory amendment to the
Federal Constitution is voted upon in the lower House
of Congress, 197 votes being recorded in favor of the
measure and 189 votes against it. Since however, a
two-thirds vote is required for such a resolution it
fails of passage.
On June 1, Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the
Navy, issues General Order No. 99, strictly prohibit-
ing the use or introduction for drinking purposes of
alcoholic liquors on board any naval vessel or within
any navy yard or station.
Congress appropriates $100,000 for the suppression
of illegal liquor selling to Indians.
Congress appropriates $15,000 for the suppression
of the liquor traffic among the natives of Alaska.
The tax on beer is raised to $1.50 per barrel by the
Act of Congress of October 22.
The Forty-First National Convention of the Wo-
man's Christian Temperance Union is held November
12-18 at Atlanta, Georgia.
1915
The Legislature of Alabama by an overwhelming
majority passes a state-wide prohibitory law which is
vetoed by the Governor and then passed by the Legis-
342 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
lature over the Governor's veto. The law goes into
effect January 1, 1916.
By a majority of seventy-five to twenty-four in the
House and thirty-three to two in the Senate, the Ar-
kansas Legislature adopts a state-wide Prohibition law
which goes into effect January 1, 1916.
The Legislature of Idaho by a large majority votes
to submit to the people of the State a constitutional
prohibitory amendment, following this by the adop-
tion of a state-wide prohibitory law which goes into
effect January 1, 1916.
The Legislature of Iowa repeals the Mulct law,
thereby returning the State to state-wide Prohibition
January 1, 1916. The Iowa Legislature also submits
the question of a prohibitory constiutional amendment
to a vote of the people. Des Moines, Iowa, goes un-
der Prohibition on February 15, 1915, through a de-
cision of the Supreme Court.
The South Carolina Legislature submits the ques-
tion of state-wide Prohibition to a vote of the people,
which vote is taken on September 14, and results in \
the adoption of Prohibition by a majority of 24,926.
The state-wide prohibitory law goes into effect in
Arizona January 1, thus making ten states where state-
wide Prohibition is in force.
The United States Senate votes on the question of i
taking up for consideration a rider on tke District of I
Columbia appropriation bill providing for absolute '
Prohibition in the District, the resolution being de-
feated by a narrow margin. j
The Legislature of Utah adopts a resolution submit-
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 343
ting the question of state-wide Prohibition to the vot-
ers of the State.
Governor Brumbaugh of Pennsylvania in his inaug-
ural address declares for county option and calls upon
the Legislature to enact a county local option law.
The Texas Anti-Saloon League is re-organized and
begins an aggressive fight for a state-wide prohibitory
law.
The Supreme Court of Arizona upholds the pro-
hibitory amendment to the State Constitution.
The elections in Connecticut result in 79 towns
voting no-license as against 88 for license.
Under the operation of the county option law of
Idaho between 1909 and 1915 twenty-one counties vote
for Prohibition as against nine for Hcense; as a re-
sult fewer than 200 saloons remain in the State.
The efforts of the liquor interests to defeat existing
temperance legislation in Illinois by a law providing
for so-called Home Rule for cities and villages are
defeated in the Legislature,
The saloons of Chicago are closed on Sunday by
order of the mayor.
An Anfi-Roadhouse law is passed by the Minnesota
Legislature, thus closing the saloons in the rural dis-
tricts surrounding each large city in the State.
New Hampshire enacts a law providing that any
person convicted of drunkenness shall not be per-
mitted to have liquor in his possession for twelve
months.
Jn junctions are placed on the railroads of North
Dakota restraining them from delivering liquors to be
used in violation of law.
344 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
By an overwhelming vote in both Houses, South
Carolina adopts an Anti-Shipping law.
The Legislature of North Carolina passes an Anti-
Jug bill.
The Alabama Legislature passes a measure over the
Governor's veto to prohibit newspapers published in
the State from printing liquor advertisements, and
preventing the circulation in the State of newspapers
published outside of Alabama which carry liquor ad-
vertising.
The Wyoming Legislature votes down a resolution
providing for submission of state-wide Prohibition by
a vote of twelve to fourteen, two-thirds majority be-
ing necessary.
As a result of the local option elections in Massa-
chusetts, there is a net gain of seven Prohibition towns
and cities.
The Oklahoma Legislature passes a resolution me-
moralizing Congress to adopt the Sheppard-Hobson
resolution for National Prohibition.
The Legislature of South Dakota passes a resolu-
tion submitting the question of state-wide Prohibition
to a vote of the people of the State, the vote to be
taken in November, 1916.
Statutory Prohibition goes into effect in Alabama
July 1, 1915. Liquor advertisements in newspapers,
on billboards, or in any other form, are prohibited
within the State. The shipping of intoxicating liq-
uors for any purpose except for personal use is also
prohibited.
The Ca:lifornia Legislature passes a law which
makes all places where liquor is sold illegally, public
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 345
nuisances, and authorizes any citizen to bring action
for the abatement of such nuisances; also a law for-
bidding the sale of liquor to people of Indian blood, or
to people of part Indian blood, or to white people who
live with or habitually associate with Indians.
The Colorado Legislature passes a stringent law
providing for the enforcement of the State Prohibi-
tion Amendment, which goes into effect January 1,
1916. The liquor interests of the city of Denver submit
a charter amendment providing for "home rule" for
the city, which is adopted by a majority of 2,600 but
is overruled by the State Supreme Court.
The General Assembly of Connecticut enacts a law
governing the sale of liquor in clubs and also passes
several other minor amendments to the anti-liquor
laws.
The Hazel Anti- Shipping law is repealed by the
State Legislature of Delaware.
The Florida Legislature enacts a law which pro-
hibits treating, drinking in saloons, free lunches,
screens, blinds, tables and chairs, and also compels the
closing of saloons from 6 o'clock p. m. to 7 o'clock
a. m. During the year two new counties are formed,
namely, Broward and Okaloosa. Both counties are
under Prohibition. Two other counties, Marion and
Franklin, change from license to Prohibition during
1915.
The Sixteenth National Convention of the Anti-
Saloon League of America is held July 6-9 at Atlantic
City, New Jersey.
A special session of the Georgia Legislature is
called and enacts a law to secure effective enforcement
346 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
of Prohibition. This law prohibits the sale of all Hq-
uors containing any portion whatsoever of alcohol,
prohibits liquor advertising, and makes it unlawful to
import liquors except for personal use. The law goes
into effect May 1, 1916.
A great mass convention of temperance workers is
held in Lansing, Michigan, in November, and petitions
are circulated calling for a vote on a Constitutional
Prohibition Amendment, which vote is to be taken on
November 2, 1916. During the year 1915, 342 sa-
loons are closed in the State, through county option
elections. The Legislature passes a bill providing that
before the consignee of liquor shipments can receive
same he must make affidavit that he is of full legal
age and not disqualified under the law of Michigan
to receive same. An anti-liquor advertisement law
is also passed, also a measure giving township boards
the right to reject all applications for liquor licenses
and a law prohibiting the selling or furnishing of in-
toxicating liquors at lumber camps or along the right
of way of logging railroads to any employee thereof.
A statutory Prohibition bill containing a referendum
clause is presented to the State Legislature but fails of
passage.
The Minnesota Legislature enacts a county option
bill which becomes law on March 1. Within seven
months thereafter, fifty-seven counties in the State hold
county elections, with the result that forty-five coun-
ties vote for Prohibition and twelve counties vote to
retain the saloons. About 500 saloons are closed in
the State during 1915, together with twelve wholesale
houses and the same number of small breweries. The
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 347
United States Indian Bureau takes aggressive action
to enforce Prohibition in the territory covered by old
Indian treaties.
Eleven out of seventeen local option elections held
in Missouri are won by the Prohibition forces.
Richland County, Montana, votes for Prohibition
on October 13, 1915. The General Assembly of Mon-
tana submits a Prohibition statute referendum bill, to
be voted on in 1916. It also enacts an anti-race track
gambling law ; a law closing saloons within one mile of
cities of the first class from 12 o'clock midnight to
8 a. m. ; a law closing saloons from 10 p. m. Saturday
until 1 p. m. Sunday; a law prohibiting the sale of
liquor within five miles of railroad grade, public
works, etc., under construction, except where sold in
a town of 50 or more persons, or by dealer in business
two years before the beginning of such works; the
issuance of new Hcenses on a basis of one to every 500
persons ; after December 31 all saloons are to be closed
in places having less than 50 persons within one-fourth
mile of the place where the liquors are to be sold ; a law
providing for the filing of protests against the re-
issuance of saloon licenses and the commissioners are
given discretionary power in the issuance thereof. The
petitioners for, or the remonstrance against the issu-
ance of a license are given the power to appeal to the
District Court. A law is passed prohibiting sale of in-
toxicating liquors to drunkards, minors or Indians,
and holding the person breaking this law liable for
damages to any person injured thereby in property,
money or means of support.
In Ohio, a state-wide Prohibition amendment is
voted on at the general election in November, and de-
348 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
feated by a majority of 55,408 votes. A so-called
Stability League amendment, introduced by the brew-
ers, which is intended to prevent another vote on the
liquor question for a period of six years, is defeated
by a majority of 64,891.
The Tennessee Legislature passes laws known as
the Soft Drink Stand law, and the Ouster law, materi-
ally strengthening the anti-liquor laws of the state.
The Utah Legislature enacts a strong Prohibition
bill, with only five votes against the measure in the
House of Representatives and two in the Senate.
Governor Spry however, holds the bill until after the
Legislature has adjourned, and then attaches his veto
to the measure.
The Vermont Legislature passes a state-wide pro-
hibitory law, referring the same to a vote of the peo-
ple, to be taken March 7, 1916.
The West Virginia Legislature passes a number of
additional law enforcement measures, strengthening
the Prohibition laws of the State.
The Wisconsin Legislature changes the limit on the
number of saloons, making the ratio one saloon for
every 500 people.
A joint resolution calling for the submission of a
prohibitory amendment to the Federal Constitution is
introduced in both Houses of the Sixty-Fourth Con-
gress, which convened in December. The resolutions
are presented in the Senate by Senator Morris Shep-
pard of Texas and by Senator J. H. Gallinger of New
Hampshire; in the House by Edwin Y. Webb of
North Carolina and A. T. Smith of Idaho.
A bill providing for the absolute prohibition of the
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 349
sale of intoxicating liquors in the District of Colum-
bia is introduced early in the first session of the Sixty-
Fourth Congress by Senator Morris Sheppard of
Texas. The bill is submitted to the District of Co-
lumbia committee, reported back to the Senate and
placed on the calendar.
The Forty-Second National Convention of the Wo-
man's Christian Temperance Union is held October
9-14 at Seattle, Washington.
The second session of the Alaska Legislature on
March 3 submits to the people a referendum bill pro-
viding for the prohibition of the traffic in intoxicating
liquors after January 1, 1918.
1916
The Judiciary Committee of the United States Sen-
ate, by a vote of 13 to 3, on December 21 favorably
reports to the United States Senate the National Pro-
hibition Resolution known as Senate Joint Resolu-
tion No. 55.
A referendum vote on Prohibition is taken by the
voters of Alaska, which results in a large majority in
favor of Prohibition.
An amendment intended to weaken the Arizona Pro-
hibition law is defeated by a majority of over 12,000.
Prohibition goes into effect in Arkansas, Colorado,
Idaho, Iowa and Washington on January 1, 1916.
In Arkansas a bill is submitted to repeal the prohib-
itory law and allow saloons to return, but is defeated
by 50,000 majority.
Two Prohibition amendments to the Constitution of
California are voted on at the general election, and
350 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
both are defeated. One would prohibit the sale or
gift of intoxicating liquors in places of public resort,
after January 1, 1918, while the other would prohibit
the manufacture, sale, importation and transportation
within the State of all alcoholic liquors after Janu-
ary 1, 1920.
In Colorado an amendment to exempt beer from the
operations of the state-wide Prohibition law is de-
feated by a majority of 85,792.
A law prohibiting the sale of all liquors containing
alcohol, and also prohibiting liquor advertising, goes
into effect in Georgia May 1.
Idaho adopts a constitutional amendment for state-
wide Prohibition, by a vote of about three to one, at
the November election.
The Louisiana Legislature passes the Johnson near-
beer bill, prohibiting the sale of all malt liquor in Pro-
hibition territory.
Prohibition goes into effect in St. Mary's County,
Maryland, May 1, 1916. The question of state-wide
Prohibition for Maryland is presented to the Legisla-
ture in the form of a statute with a referendum at-
tached. The bill is changed so that the measure
which is finally passed provides for the submission of
the question to the city of Baltimore and to the other
wet sections of the State as separate units. At the
November election, Havre de Grace and the coun-
ties of Frederick and Washington vote for Prohibi-
tion.
The Massachusetts Legislature passes a bill pro-
hibiting the peddling of liquor in no-license towns.
Michigan adopts a prohibitory amendment to the
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 351
State GDnstitution by a vote of 353,378 to 284,754, on
November 7.
A state-wide Prohibition measure is defeated in
Missouri, at the November election, by a majority of
122,538.
The city of Duluth, Minnesota, votes for Prohibi-
tion at a local option election, by a majority of 364.
Montana adopts state-wide Prohibition by a vote of
102,776 to 73,890, at the general election in Novem-
ber.
Constitutional Prohibition is adopted in Nebraska
by a vote of 146,574 to 117,132, at the November elec-
tion. A prohibitory statute is also passed by the
Legislature.
A petition for a state-wide prohibitory statute is
filed in Nevada, under the initiative and referendum,
but is rejected by the Legislature.
In Oregon an amendment to permit the manufac-
ture and sale of beer is defeated by a majority of 54,-
626, at the November election. At the same election
an amendment forbidding the importation of intoxi-
cating liquors is adopted, thus strengthening the anti-
liquor laws of the State.
South Dakota adopts Constitutional Prohibition by
a majority of 11,505 votes, on November 7.
At an election held on July 28, the voters of Texas
give a majority in favor of submitting a Constitutional
Prohibition Amendment to the electorate, but this
amendment is defeated in the Legislature.
An election on the question of state-wide Prohibi-
tion in Vermont, held in March, results in the defeat
of the Prohibition measure.
352 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
State-wide Prohibition goes into effect in Virginia
on November 1. A stringent law enforcement meas-
ure is passed by the State Legislature.
State-wide Prohibition goes into effect in Oregon on
January 1, closing 900 saloons and 18 breweries.
State-wide Prohibition goes into effect in Washing-
ton on January 1. The liquor forces of the State in-
itiate two measures to weaken the state-wide Prohibi-
tion law, which measures are defeated by majorities
of 146,556 and 215,036 respectively.
The prohibitory amendment to the State Constitu-
tion of Colorado becomes effective on January 1, clos-
ing 1,800 saloons and seventeen breweries in the
State.
The last bond representing the indebtedness of Kan-
sas incurred under the open saloon regime prior to
1881 is paid off and the bonds burned at a public cele-
bration at the State Capital.
Hon. Carl Milliken is elected Governor of Maine on
a platform calling for strict enforcement of the pro-
hibitory law.
Michigan defeats a proposed amendment to the
Constitution aimed at weakening the anti-liquor laws,
by a majority of 122,599 votes.
Michigan reports forty-five of the eighty-three coun-
ties already under Prohibition through the operation
of the county option law.
In New Hampshire 207 towns vote for Prohibition
at the regular election.
The National Convention of the Prohibition Party
meets in St. Paul. Minnesota July 18-22. J. Frank
Hanly of Indiana is nominated for President and Ira
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 353
Landrith of Tennessee is nominated for Vice-Presi-
dent.
The Seventeenth National Convention of the Anti-
Saloon League of America is held June 26-29 at In-
dianapolis, Indiana.
The number of breweries in the United States is
1,332, and the amount of beer produced is 58,564,508
barrels per annum.
The sum of $100,000 is appropriated by Congress
for the suppression of the liquor traffic among the
Indians.
The Forty-Third National ConventioH of the Wo-
man's Christian Temperance Union is held November
17-22 at Indianapolis, Indiana.
1917
The resolution submitting to the states the National
Prohibition Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States, is adopted by the United States Senate
on August 1, and by the House of Representatives on
December 18.
The Federal Anti-Liquor Advertising bill, carrying
with it the Reed Bone-Dry Amendment, is adopted by
the United States Senate on February 15 and by the
House ©f Representatives on February 21.
The Supreme Court of the United States, on Jan-
uary 8, 1917, hands down a decision upholding the
constitutionality of the Webb-Kenyon Interstate Liq-
uor Shipment law.
A bill providing for Prohibition in the territory of
Hawaii is presented in both Houses of the Sixty-
Fourth Congress, and is reported out by the House
354 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
committee on January 27, 1917. The measure fails to
come to a vote, however, in either House.
The District of Columbia is made Prohibition terri-
tory by a bill passed by the United States Senate on
January 9, and by the House of Representatives on
February 28.
A bill providing for Prohibition in the territory of
Alaska is presented in both Houses of the United
States Congress early in January, 1917, and is
adopted by the Senate on January 31, and by the
House of Representatives on February 2. The Pro-
hibition measure goes into effect January 1, 1918.
A provision for a vote on the question of Prohibi-
tion in the island of Porto Rico is passed by the United
States Congress, as an amendment to the Porto Rican
Citizenship and Civil Government bill. At a special
election held in July, 1917, the voters of Porto Rico
approve the Prohibition measure by a vote of 99,775
to 61,295.
A Food Control bill is passed by the House of Rep-
resentatives containing a provision forbidding the use
of any foods, food materials, or feeds for the produc-
tion of alcoholic beverages, except for governmental,
industrial, scientific, medicinal, or sacramental pur-
poses, and also, authorizing the President of the
United States to commandeer alcohol and distilled
spirits for government requirements. Because of a
threatened filibuster against this food control bill by
the friends of the liquor interests in the United States
Senate, a request is made by the President of the
United States to the anti-liquor forces, as a result
of which the bill is finally changed so as to make
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 355
the prohibition of the use of food materials in the
manufacture of beer and wine, optional with the Pres-
ident of the United States. The bill as finally passed
by the Senate on August 8 and signed by the President
on August 10, provides for the prohibition of the man-
ufacture of distilled spirits for beverage purposes, pro-
hibition of the importation of distilled spirits, and au-
thorized the President to commandeer whisky in stock
as well as in bond, at his discretion, to reduce the alco-
holic content of beer and wine, and to Hmit, regulate
or prohibit the use of food materials in the manufac-
ture of beer and wine. According to the terms of this
measure, the manufacture of distilled spirits in the
United States ceased on September 8, 1917.
On January 22 both Houses of the Arkansas Legis-
lature pass a bone dry law by a large majority.
The Connecticut Legislature passes a bill calling for
the submission of a State Prohibition Amendment,
which under the Constitution goes over to the Legisla-
ture of 1917 for further action.
The Loose Anti-Liquor Shipment bill is passed by
the Delaware General Assembly.
North Carolina makes the manufacture of liquor
a felony; the State becomes bone dry July 1.
Eleven cities are added to the Prohibition column
in California, eight adopting absolute Prohibition
while three others — Los Angeles, San Jose and Santa
Clara — abolish saloons, prohibit all distilled liquors,
but permit wine and beers not having over 14 per
cent of alcohol to be sold in original sealed packages
or served in hotels.
356 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
The Legislature of Delaware submits the question
of Prohibition to a vote in the city of Wilmington and
rural New Castle County as separate units; as a re-
sult of the election the city remains under license by
a majority of about 2,000, while rural New Castle
County votes for Prohibition by a majority of 1,270,
thus closing twenty-six saloons and making the entire
State Prohibition territory, with the exception of the
city of Wilmington, which retains 161 saloons, five
wholesale houses and thirteen merchant license places.
At a special session of the Georgia Legislature
called by Governor N. E. Harris, a bone dry prohibi-
tory law is enacted which bars even the possession
of liquor for personal use. The law becomes effective
immediately upon its passage.
The Idaho Legislature passes a stringent law en-
forcement measure, also a measure prohibiting the ad-
vertising of intoxicating liquors. Constitutional Pro-
hibition becomes effective in Idaho on January 1st,
statutory Prohibition having already gone into effect.
A bill providing for a Prohibition referendum in
Illinois is passed in the Senate, but defeated in the
House. A bill providing for a Prohibition zone of
five miles' radius around the U. S. Naval Training
Station at Waukegon also passes the Senate but fails
of passage in the House.
The General Assembly of Indiana passes a state-
wide prohibitory statute, to go into effect April 2,
1918.
In Iowa, a prohibitory amendment to the State Con-
stitution submitted by the Legislatures of 1915 and
1917 is defeated at a special election by less than
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 357
1,000 majority. A bone dry law is enacted by the State
Legislature, which strengthens the prohibitory statute
and prohibits Hquor advertising.
A constitutional amendment is adopted in Maine,
giving the Governor power to remove deUnquent
county sheriffs and to appoint others in their places.
The Massachusetts Legislature passes the Express
Permit bill, strengthening the anti-liquor legislation
of the State.
The Minnesota Legislature submits the question of
Constitutional Prohibition to a vote of the people,
which vote is to be taken in November, 1918.
The Missouri Legislature passes two laws providing
for clean elections, and also refers a constitutional
state-wide Prohibition Amendment to a vote of the
people, to be taken at the general election in Novem-
ber, 1918.
Constitutional Prohibition goes into effect in Ne-
braska May 1.
New Hampshire adopts state-wide Prohibition, by
act of the State Legislature, in April, 1917.
New Mexico adopts constitutional state-wide Pro-
hibition by vote of the people on November 6.
The New York Legislature passes a city local option
bill, which enfranchises, on the liquor question, more
than 8,000,000 people living in the cities of the State.
The North Dakota Legislature passes a bone dry
law which is signed by the Governor on March 9th.
At the third general vote on state-wide Prohibition
in Ohio, Prohibition is defeated by a majority of
1,137 votes out of a total of more than 1,000,000 votes.
358 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
Oklahoma adopts a bone dry law as well as other
enforcement measures.
The South Carolina Legislature adopts an anti-
liquor advertising law.
State-wide Prohibition goes into effect in South
Dakota on July 1.
The Tennessee Legislature enacts the following
laws: The storage bill, which abolishes the mail or-
der houses July 1, 1917; the bone dry anti-shipping
law which goes into effect March 1, 1917; an anti-club
law which takes effect immediately after its passage;
and a bill making bootlegging a felony, which takes
effect immediately after is passage.
Statutory Prohibition is adopted by the Utah Legis-
lature, the bill being signed by the Governor on Feb-
ruary 8, and becoming effective August 1. A prohibi-
tory amendment to the State Constitution is also sub-
mitted by the same Legislature, the vote on which is
to be taken in November, 1918.
The Washington Legislature passes a state bone
dry law.
The West Virginia Legislature passes a law pro-
hibiting the carrying of liquor into the State by com-
mon carriers. Liquor carried into the State, or from
one point to another within the State, is limited to one
quart within thirty consecutive days.
The Wyoming Legislature adopts a resolution sub-
mitting state-wide Constitutional Prohibition to a vote
of the people.
The District of Columbia prohibitory law becomes
effective November 1, closing 267 saloons, twenty-
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 359
two barrooms in hotels, nine in clubs, eighty-nine
wholesale places and four breweries.
Florida by additional provisions strengthens the
Anti-Shipping and Search and Seizure law enacted in
1913.
Massachusetts records show that from 1881, when
the municipal local option law of the State became
effective, to 1917, there have been held in the State
under this law 12,520 local option elections, of which
number 2,979 resulted in license victories and 9,541 in
no-license victories.
New Jersey enacts a local option law under which
forty-nine municipalities containing a population of
180,278 vote dry within six months after the passage
of the law.
Of thirty-four municipal local option contests in
Ohio, twenty-one result in Prohibition victories. Of
twenty-two township contests, eighteen give majori-
ties for Prohibition.
The Legislature of Montana passes strong law en-
forcement measures providing for search and seizure
and the abatement as nuisances of places selling liquor
contrary to law.
The Eighteenth National Convention of the Anti-
Saloon League of America is held December 10-13 at
Washington, D. C.
Hawaii has 127 saloons, controlled by a Board of
Commissioners appointed by the Governor.
Congress appropriates $150,000 for the suppression
of the liquor traffic among the Indians.
The Forty-fourth National Convention of the Wo-
360 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
men's Christian Temperance Union is held December
2-7 at Washington, D, C.
1918
The National Prohibition Amendment to the Con-
stitution of the United States is ratified by the Legis-
latures of the following States: — Mississippi, Vir-
ginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Dakota,
Maryland, Montana, Texas, Delaware, South Dakota,
Massachusetts, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida.
Prohibition goes into effect in Alaska on January 1,
1918.
A bill for war-time prohibition of the manufacture,
sale, importation, and transportation of intoxicating
liquors for beverage purposes during the period of the
war and the period of demobilization, is introduced in
the House of Representatives of the United States
Congress, by Representative Barkley of Kentucky, on
April 26.
An amendment to the Agricultural Appropriation
bill is offered in the United States House of Repre-
sentatives, by Congressman Randall, providing that
no part of this appropriation shall be available unless
the use of grains in the manufacture of beer be pro-
hibited. An amendment to this bill is offered in the
Senate by Senator Jones, to prohibit the use of cere-
als and fruit in the manufacture of intoxicants. The
Agricultural Appropriation bill is passed by the Senate
on September 6th, with a Prohibition amendment, and
approved by the President on November 21. The law
as finally approved prohibits the manufacture of beer
and wine, after May 1, 1919, and forbids the sale of
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 361
distilled, malt and vinous intoxicants after June 30,
1919.
On December 1, 1918, the use of foods and food
materials in the manufacture of beer is ordered stopped
by the food administration of the Federal government.
A state-wide Prohibition Amendment is defeated by
the voters of California.
The bone dry law, adopted by vote of the people,
goes into effect in Colorado on December 16.
Florida adopts state- wide Prohibition by a majority
of 8,242 at the November election.
A bill providing for Prohibition in the territory of
Hawaii during the period of the war and thereafter
unless the same shall be repealed by vote of the people
within two years after the conclusion of peace, is
passed by the United States Congress, and becomes a
law May 24.
The dry forces of Chicago, Illinois, circulate a peti-
tion for a vote on the wet and dry issue in that city.
The petition is filed with 150,000 names attached, but
the election commissioners throw it out, declaring over
40,000 names fraudulent or illegal.
Prohibition goes into effect in Indiana on April 2,
thereby closing 3,500 saloons.
The Kentucky Legislature submits a state-wide Pro-
hibition amendment to the Constitution, to a vote of
the people at the November election in 1919. An
anti-liquor shipping law and a law prohibiting the
owning or operating of moonshine stills are also
passed by this Legislature.
The Louisiana Legislature meets in regular session
in May, and fails to ratify the National Prohibition
362 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
Amendment by a tie vote in the Senate. At a special
session called in August, however, the National Pro-
hibition Amendment is ratified by a vote of 69 to 41 in
the House, and 21 to 20 in the Senate.
A prohibitory amendment to the Constitution of
Minnesota is voted on at the November election. The
amendment receives a majority of 15,932 votes, but
fails to pass by 756 votes, according to the provisions
of the State election law.
The Mississippi Legislature passes a bone-dry law
prohibiting the possession of whisky and also prohibit-
ing liquor advertising.
The Forty-fifth National Convention of the Wo-
man's Christian Temperance Union is held in Chicago,
Illinois, on December 3-6.
A constitutional amendment for state-wide Prohibi-
tion is defeated at the general election in Missouri, by
a vote of 300,354 to 227,501.
State-wide Prohibition goes into eflFect in Montana
on December 31, in New Hampshire May 1, and in
New Mexico October 1.
State-wide Prohibition is adopted in Nevada at the
November election and goes into effect on Decem-
ber 16.
The New Jersey Legislature passes a municipal lo-
cal option bill.
Under the city local option law of New York,
thirty-nine of the fifty-nine cities of the state vote on
the license question on April 16, twenty out of this
number voting dry.
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma decides that the
National Prohibition, 1913-1919 363
State prohibitory law does not forbid the importation
of wine for sacramental purposes, even though no spe-
cific exemption of wine for this purpose is made in the
State law.
Prohibition goes into effect in Porto Rico on
March 2.
The Senate of Rhode Island, by a vote of 20 to 18,
indefinitely postpones consideration of the resolution
for ratification of National Prohibition.
South Carolina enacts a law allowing the possession
of one quart of whisky for medicine.
The Texas Legislature adopts a ten-mile zone law,
and a sta^^utory Prohibition measure. The Prohibi-
tion statute is declared unconstitutional by the Court
of Criminal Appeals in October, 1918, but the Attor-
ney-General's department closes every saloon that
attempts to open. The Court of Civic Appeals holds
that the law is constitutional.
Utah adopts a prohibitory amendment to the State
Constitution at the November election,
A bone dry amendment to the Constitution of Wash-
ington is adopted by a majority of 41,778 votes.
The Wisconsin Legislature passes a state-wide Pro-
hibition referendum bill by a vote of 21 to 11 in the
Senate and 55 to 38 in the House, but the bill is
vetoed by the Governor.
State-wide Prohibition is adopted at the general
election in Wyoming, by 15,000 majority.
The Legislature of Maryland passes bone dry laws
for Somerset and Caroline counties and closes the
saloons at Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County.
364 National Prohibition, 1913-1919
The prison farm in Kent County, Michigan, is
closed because of lack of prisoners to work it.
The prohibitory amendment to the Constitution of
Michigan becomes effective May 1, thereby closing
3,285 saloons and sixty-two breweries.
The records of the State of Missouri show that
there are 3,100 saloons in 10 per cent of the territory
of the State, 90 per cent of the territory being under
Prohibition through the operation of the county option
law.
Several law enforcement measures are enacted in
New Jersey.
The Legislature of Florida submits a Prohibition
amendment to the vote of the State with the result
that at the election held in November the amendment
is adopted by a majority of 8,242, every county in the
State giving a Prohibition majority.
Ohio adopts state-wide constitutional Prohibition
by a majority of 25,759, the vote being, for Prohibi-
tion 463,654, against 437,895 ; only nine of the eighty-
eight counties give license majorities, the Prohibition
majorities in the other seventy-nine counties over-
coming the wet majorities in Cleveland, Cincinnati,
Toledo and other license centers.
CHAPTER X
Non-Partisan Movement for World-Wide
Prohibition, 1919-1920
WHEN CONGRESS voted to submit to
the states a constitutional amendment
providing for National Prohibition of
the sale, manufacture, importation and
transportation of intoxicating liquors in the United
States, the liquor traffic as a legalized institution was
doomed. No one knew this fact better than those
who had closely followed the progress of the Prohi-
bition movement and who as Prohibition workers in
the several states understood something of the over-
whelming sentiment for Prohibition which existed in
most sections of the nation outside the great cities.
More than 65 per cent of the population of the United
States was under Prohibition either by virtue of the
operation of local option or state-wide Prohibition
laws.
Adoption of the proposed Federal Prohibition
Amendment required ratification by the Legislatures
of three-fourths of the 48 states. The liquor interests
of the nation still felt secure because they realized
that all that was necessary to prevent final ratification
was for the friends of the liquor traffic to succeed in
preventing favorable action in one branch of each of
thirteen state Legislatures, while on the other hand it
was necessary for the Prohibition forces to secure
favorable action on ratification by both branches of
366 World Prohibition Movement
the Legislatures in each of at least thirty-six states.
In other words, the liquor interests needed to hold
only a bare majority in thirteen legislative branches,
while the Prohibition forces needed to secure a
majority vote for ratification in at least seventy-two
state legislative branches.
Twenty-eight states, however, had already adopted
state-wide prohibitory laws, thus committing them-
selves beforehand to the Prohibition policy. In seven
other states, more than a majority of the people were
living in territory under Prohibition by vote of the
people in the counties, villages and townships, while a
majority of the members of the Legislatures in three
other states represented legislative districts which were
under local Prohibition by a majority vote of the
people. The leaders of the Prohibition movement,
therefore, realized that if each legislator in both
branches of the Legislature of each state voted on
ratification in harmony with the expressed will of the
majority of his constituents, at least 38 states would
ratify the Federal amendment, thus giving the neces-
sary three-fourths of the state Legislatures with two
states to spare. This knowledge inspired confidence in
the Prohibition forces, especially in view of the fact
that under the Federal Constitution the failure of any
state to ratify a constitutional amendment did not
preclude the taking up of the matter by any succeeding
Legislature in that state during the seven-year period
provided for in the Federal resolution, while in the case
of any state which voted favorably on ratification the
chapter was closed so far as that state was concerned,
since there was no chance thereafter for a succeeding
Legislature to rescind or change such action.
World Prohibition Movement 367
It was not strange, therefore, that the Prohibition
forces, confident of the adoption of National Consti-
tutional Prohibition, began to plan for the future with
the idea of making Prohibition effective and perma-
nent. Neither was it remarkable that these forces
promptly began to look forward to the possible ex-
tension of the benefits of Prohibition to other coun-
tries of the world, especially in view of the fact that
the entire movement for Prohibition in the very nature
of the case had been from the very beginning a great
missionary project.
International activity along temperance lines was
not new. For many years, several temperance organi-
zations had been conducting their work along inter-
national as well as national lines. The first general
temperance organization in the United States, founded
in 1826, sent missionaries abroad in the interest of
international temperance reform. The Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union had been in the international
field for a considerable period and had organized to
some degree the temperance movement among women
of practically every continent. In many countries, in
fact, practically all the organized temperance work
which had been accomplished prior to 1920 had been
accomplished through the agencies of the World's
Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
The International Order of Good Templars was
perhaps the best organized international movement of
record prior to the adoption of Prohibition in the
United States of America. While this organization
had its birth in America, it had attained to a higher
degree of success in its activities in many European
countries and in other parts of the world, the strong-
368 World Prohibition Movement
est and largest National Grand Lodges under its juris-
diction being located in the countries of Northern
Europe.
The Rechabites, the Sons of Temperance and
numerous other organizations had conducted a part
of their work along international lines and had been
successful not only in organizing temperance move-
ments in numerous countries but in developing a spirit
of international cooperation on the part of temperance
organizations in practically all countries of the world.
The Anti-Saloon League of America, in harmony
with the idea that the non-partisan method for Prohi-
bition activity should be projected into the inter-
national field, called a special conference of officers
and workers which convened in Columbus, Ohio, in
November, 1918. At this conference practically every
phase of the international Prohibition question was
considered both from the viewpoint of the American
Prohibition forces and from the viewpoint of the
numerous representatives of temperance organizations
in foreign countries who were in attendance at the
conference and took part in its deliberations.
As a result the Anti-Saloon League of America de-
cided upon a course of action which involved the send-
ing of official representatives of the American Com-
mission to meet with representatives of the temper-
ance organizations of foreign countries at the Paris
Peace Conference, and which also inovlved an imme-
diate movement for securing cooperation on the part
of temperance organizations in other countries, in the
effort to organize a world-wide movement for non-
partisan activity against the liquor traffic.
The commission appointed by the Anti-Saloon
World Prohibition Movement 369
League of America to represent its views and co-
operate with other national temperance organizations
at the proposed conference to be held in Paris, France,
consisted of Bishop James Cannon, Jr., Edwin C.
Dinwiddie, Bishop William F. Anderson, Mr. L. B.
Musgrove, Doctor Henry Beach Carre, Mr. Wayne B.
Wheeler and Mr. Ernest H. Cherrington.
On account of the inability of some of the members
of the American League Commission to go to France,
negotiations in Paris were largely conducted for this
commission by Bishop James Cannon, Jr., Doctor
Henry Beach Carre, and Mr. L. B. Musgrove, who,
together with the representatives from many other
countries, appeared before the subcommittees of the
Peace Conference and urged especially that the peace
treaty contain some provision for the protection of
native races against the ravages of alcohol as that
which had been put into effect by the nations of
Europe and America in the Brussels Conference of
1898. It is of interest to note in this connection that
the provision for excluding distilled liquors from the
native race countries of Africa, which was finally
agreed upon by the Paris Peace Conference, was far
more comprehensive and enforceable, even, than the
original agreement of the Brussels Conference.
By joint action of the Anti-Saloon League of
America and the Dominion Temperance Alliance of
Canada, arrangements were made for a World-wide
Prohibition Conference to be held on the American
continent during the latter part of May and the first
week of June, 1919. This conference was opened in
Toronto, Canada, on May 22, 1919, and was adjourned
to meet in the city of Washington, D. C, U. S. A.,
370 World Prohibition Movement
on June 4, 1919. This conference was attended by
representatives from more than fifty different coun-
tries of the world. Official representatives from lead-
ing temperance organizations from fifteen different
nations were present and took part in the deliberations,
as a result of which there was organized on June 7,
1919, at Washington, D. C, the World League
Against Alcoholism, under the following constitution :
CONSTITUTION OF THE WORLD LEAGUE AGAINST
ALCOHOLISM
Article i. Name
The name of this League is the World League Against
Alcoholism.
Article 2. Object
The object of this League is to attain, by the means of edu-
cation and legislation, the total suppression throughout the
world of alcoholism, which is the poisoning of body germ-
plasm, mind, conduct and society, produced by the consump-
tion of alcoholic beverages. This League pledges itself to
avoid affiliation with any political party as such, and to main-
tain an attitude of strict neutrality on all questions of public
policy, not directly and immediately concerned with the traffic
in alcoholic beverages.
Article 3. Membership
The membership of this League is limited to organizations
which are in harmony with the objects, and which are national
in the scope of their operation. Such organizations whose
officers or accredited representatives are signatories to this
constitution shall be considered active members of this League
when the action of their officers or accredited representatives
in signing this document has been officially ratified by the
proper authorities of such organizations. Other similar organ-
izations may be added to the membership of the League from
time to time by a three-fourths vote of the General Council of
the League, or of the Permanent International Committee,
present and voting, to extend an invitation to such organiza-
World Prohibition Movement 371
tions eligible under the provisions of this constitution, pro-
vided that at least six months' notice shall be given before the
vote is taken.
The Permanent International Committee shall have the right
to admit individuals as associate members of the League, but
such associate members shall not be represented in the Gen-
eral Council or Permanent International Committee.
Article 4. Officers
The officers of this League shall be : Four Joint Presidents,
a Vice-President for each country represented in the member-
ship of this League, a Treasurer and a General Secretary, each
of whom shall be chosen for a term of three years and shall
be elected by the General Council upon the nomination of the
Permanent International Committee.
Article 5. General Council
There shall be a General Council composed of three -mem-
bers from each organization holding membership in the
League, chosen by such method as may be determined by
said organization, and additional members elected by the
Council, but the number of additional members thus chosen
shall not at any time exceed one-third of the total member-
ship of the Council.
Article 6. Permanent International Committee
There shall be a Permanent International Committee con-
sisting of (i) the officers, (2) one member from each organi-
zation holding membership in the League. Each member
shall be elected for three years by the organization which he
represents on the committee by such method as may be deter-
mined by the said organization, and each member shall hold
office until his successor shall have been duly elected and his
election duly certified to the Permanent International Com-
mittee. (3) Additional members elected by the Permanent
International Committee, but the number of additional mem-
bers thus chosen shall not at any time exceed one-third of
the total membership of the Council.
Article 7. Executive Committee
There shall be an Executive Committee consisting of the
Presidents, Treasurer, and General Secretary, and not fewer
I
372 World Prohibition Movement
than seven nor more than fifteen members elected annually
by the Permanent International Committee.
Article 8. Finance
The League shall be supported by assessments to be fixed
by mutual agreement between the Permanent International
Committee and each member of the League. The Permanent
International Committee shall devise ways and means for the
securing of additional financial support to meet special de-
mands.
Article 9. Conventions
Conventions of this League shall be held once in ever>'
three years, the time and place to be fixed at least twelve
months beforehand by the Permanent International Com-
mittee. By a two-thirds vote, special conventions may be
called at such time and place as may be determined by tlie
Committee.
Article 10. Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution may be made at any regu-
lar meeting of the General Council by a two-thirds vote of
the members present and voting, providing the amendment
has been recommended by a two-thirds vote of the Permanent
International Committee; or in the absence of such recom-
mendation, by a three-fourths vote of the members present
and voting. The final vote upon any proposed amendment
shall not be taken within six hours after the amendment shall
have been presented to the Council.
(Signed)
Australian Alliance Prohibition Council — R. B. S. Hammond,
James Marion.
The Council of the Dominion Alliance of Canada — Miles
VoKEs, Sara R. Wright, Ben Spence.
Denmark Grand Lodge I. O. G. T. — Larsen Ledet.
United Kingdom Alliance — J. H. B. Masterman, G. B. Wil-
son, William Bingham. Wesleyan Methodist Church
of Great Britain — Henry Carter. National Commercial
Temperance League, Strength of Britain Movement —
C. W. Saleeby.
World Prohibition Movement 373
Ligue Nationale contre VAlcoolisme — ^Jean Letort.
Temperance Committee of the Irish Presbyterian Church,
Irish Temperance League — ^John Gailey.
National Temperance League of Japan — Takeshi Ukai, M.
Yamaguchi.
National Anti-Alcohol Association — Epigmenio Velasco.
New Zealand Alliance for the Abolition of the Liquor Traffic
— ^JoHN Dawson.
Scottish Permissive Bill and Temperance Association — ^W. J.
Allison, Thomas Rea.
Swiss Total Abstinence Federation — R. Hercod,
Anti-Saloon League of America — William H. Anderson,
P. A. Baker, James Cannon, Jr., Ernest H. Cherring-
TON, Arthur J. Davis, F. Scott McBride, L. B. Mus-
GROVE, Howard H. Russell, Wayne B. Wheeler.
This constitution of the World League Against
Alcoholism and the action of those who signed the
document was later ratified by the several national
temperance organizations thus represented, and the
World League became operative in the interest of
international temperance reform.
During the first year of the World League's opera-
tions, considerable advance was made in survey work,
in getting points of contact with temperance and re-
form forces in all countries of the world, in assisting
several no-license and Prohibition campaigns in a num-
ber of countries outside the United States, and in a
very large distribution of literature throughout the
world.
The program of the World League Against Alco-
holism for the future is a large program. It is hoped
in the first place that this World League may prove to
be a foundation for cooperation and federation upon
374 World Prohibition Movement
the part of all national temperance organizations in
every country of the world for international temper-
ance activity. If this can be done, the world liquor
problem will undoubtedly soon be in the way of per-
manent solution.
The following chronology gives the most important
events of the temprance reform for the period :
Chronology of the Temperance Reform for the
Period 1919-1920
1919
The amendment to the Constitution of the United
States, providing for National Prohibition, is ratified
by the Legislatures of three-fourths of the states, on
January 16, 1919, and becomes the Eighteenth Amend-
ment to the Constitution of the United States. The
Acting Secretary of States issues a proclamation on
January 29, declaring this amendment a valid part of
the Constitution of the United States. During the
early part of the year 1919 the amendment is ratified
by the following State Legislatures: Michigan, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Maine, Idaho, West Virginia, Washing-
ton, Tennessee, California, Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas,
North Carolina, Alabama, Kansas, Oregon, Iowa,
Utah, Colorado, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Missouri,
Wyoming, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ne-
vada, Vermont, New York and Pennsylvania, thus
making forty-five states which have ratified.
War-Time Prohibition for the United States of
America goes into effect on July 1. The advent of
National Prohibition puts out of business 236 distil-
leries, 1,090 breweries and 177,790 saloons and other
places where intoxicating liquors were sold.
World Prohibition Movement 375
The Delaware Legislature passes a Prohibition en-
forcement measure, to go into effect January 16, 1920.
A bone dry law for the District of Columbia is
passed by the United States Congress and goes into
effect on February 25.
State-wide Prohibition goes into effect in Florida on
January 1.
The Supreme Court of Illinois decides that the elec-
tion commissioners of Chicago acted illegally in throw-
ing out the petition for a vote on license in 1918, and
directs that a vote be taken on the question.
An amendment providing for the manufacture and
sale of beer and wines in Michigan, is initiated by the
wet forces, and defeated by a large majority on
April 7.
A bill to legalize the sale of beer and light wines is
defeated by the Legislature of New Hampshire.
A resolution providing for ratification of the Na-
tional Prohibition Amendment is defeated in the New
Jersey Senate by a vote of 10 to 8, on March 10.
The Senate of Rhode Island votes to indefinitely
postpone consideration of the National Prohibition
Amendment to the United States Constitution, by a
vote of 25 to 12, on February 6.
The Tennessee Legislature passes a law requiring
the destruction of all seized contraband liquors under
the direction of the judge of the Circuit and Criminal
Courts.
The Texas Legislature submits to a vote of the
people a prohibitory amendment to the State Consti-
tution. The vote, taken May 24, results in a Prohibi-
tion majority of 25,000.
The Legislature of West Virginia passes a bone
376 World Prohibition Movement
dry law, as well as a number of amendments strength-
ening the Prohibition laws of the State. These in-
clude a law making moonshining a felony.
The Supreme Court of West Virginia decides that
the "one quart" law of that State is nullified by the
so-called Reed bone dry amendment enacted by Con-
gress.
The Legislature of Wyoming unanimously adopts a
bone dry law to go into effect June 30, 1919.
North Dakota enacts an inspection measure for pur-
poses of law enforcement.
Ohio by popular vote refuses to repeal the state-
wide prohibitory amendment to the Constitution.
The New Mexico Legislature enacts a law enforce-
ment measure to make Prohibition effective.
The Forty-sixth National Convention of the Wo-
man's Christian Temperance Union is held November
15-20 at St. Louis, Missouri.
The Attorney General of Arkansas holds that a
referendum on the ratification of the National Prohi-
bition Amendment would be illegal.
New York brewers seek an injunction to restrain the
Federal officers from interfering with the production
of 2.75 per cent beer.
Judge Hamilton of Porto Rico decides that it is a
violation of the Reed amendment to bring liquor into
Porto Rico even for personal use.
A Prohibition enforcement measure is adopted by
the Minnesota Legislature.
Attorney General Palmer on May 15 renders an
opinion holding it to be the lawful duty of the Internal
Revenue Department to collect a tax on malt beverages
World Prohibition Movement 377
with alcoholic content "in excess of that permitted
by law."
Attorney General Price of Ohio holds (May 9) that
the state-wide Prohibition Amendment abrogates all
license laws and regulatory local option laws.
President Wilson in his message to Congress on
May 20 recommends the repeal of the War-Time Pro-
hibition act in so far as it applies to wine and beer.
Judge Hand of the Federal District Court, New
York, hands down a decision on May 17 declaring that
only the manufacture and sale of beer that "is in fact
intoxicating" is prohibited by the War Prohibition act.
Missouri passes a law enforcement measure.
Federal Judge Mayer of New York City on May 23
grants an injunction restraining government interfer-
ence with the manufacture of beer containing 2.75 per
cent alcohol.
The Secretary of State of Arkansas refuses permis-
sion to circulate petitions for a referendum on the
ratification of National Prohibition.
State-wide Prohibition becomes effective in Ohio
May 27.
The State Supreme Court of Nevada upholds the
constitutionality of the state-wide Prohibition law on
May 29.
The Nineteenth National Convention of the Anti-
Saloon League of America held at Washington, D. C,
June 4-6.
The distillers in convention at Chicago on January 7
agree to raise one billion dollars if necessary to beat the
Federal Bone Dry act.
"No beer, no work" is the slogan adopted by the
Essex county, N. J., Building Trades Council on Feb-
378 World Prohibition Movement
niary 6. In New York "No beer, no bonds" buttons
are worn.
The Michigan Supreme Court holds that the search
and seizure clause of the bone dry state law which
became effective on May 1, 1918, is invalid.
Restrictions on the use of grain in the manufacture
of "near-beer" and other non-intoxicating beverages
are removed by the government on February 20.
Breweries throughout the country are told by the
New York Lager Beer Board of Trade and the United
States Brewers' Association, on March 17, to go ahead
forthwith with the sale of beer of alcoholic content of
2.75 per cent.
The New Jersey Assembly on March 18, by a viva
voce vote, rejects the Eighteenth Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States.
The Jacob Hoffman Brewing Co. of New York files
in the Federal District Court application for an injunc-
tion restraining Federal authorities from possible
criminal prosecution of alleged violations of the In-
ternal Revenue Department's ruling that beer contain-
ing one-half of 1 per cent alcohol or more is intoxi-
cating. It is aimed to make the government a party to
action of the definition of intoxicants. Several brew-
ers resume making 2.75 per cent beer.
The manufacture and sale of near-beer in Nevada
is prohibited under a decision by the State Supreme
Court.
The Presbyterian Church on March 30 resolves in
favor of a world-wide fight for Prohibition.
The World League Against Alcoholism organizes at
Washington, D. C, on June 7, adopts a constitution
and elects officers.
World Prohibition Movement 379
Governor Lowden of Illinois signs a search and
seizure bill to enforce Prohibition.
New Hampshire enacts a strong enforcement law.
Brewers of Philadelphia decide to continue the
manufacture of 2.75 per cent beer, and pass resolutions
declaring that such beer is non-intoxicating.
New Mexico enacts a bone dry Prohibition enforce-
ment measure.
The governor of Montana vetoes a bill which would
permit the manufacture of liquor containing .5 of 1 per
cent of alcohol, also another bill intended to weaken
state Prohibition.
The Connecticut Brewers Association meets at New
Haven and announces that they will begin manufacture
of beer of 2,75 per cent alcoholic content immediately.
Seven breweries operated by the Central Pennsyl-
vania Brewing Company begin the brewing of beer
on March 19.
The Lager Beer Brewers Board of Trade in New
York, representing forty-two brewery concerns, on
March 17 announce that on advice of counsel its mem-
bers will sell beer containing 2.75 per cent alcohol.
A Prohibition enforcement measure is passed by the
Delaware Legislature, prohibiting alcoholic beverages
containing one-half of 1 per cent alcohol.
The Brewers Association of Massachusetts adopts
resolutions recommending that brewers begin the
manufacture of 2.75 per cent beer.
On March 13 a resolution is introduced in the Rhode
Island Legislature instructing the Attorney General to
begin action in the name of the state to protest the
constitutionality of the Prohibition Amendment to the
Constitution.
380 World Prohibition Movement
A general remonstrance against the granting of any
liquor licenses in Pittsburgh and specific remonstrances
against 66 licenses are made by representatives of the
Ministerial Alliance.
The number of saloons in Panama is reduced from
680 to 100 by the law which goes into effect March 1.
Alabama passes a stringent bone dry enforcement
measure.
President Wilson signs the War Revenue bill on
February 24, by which measure the tax on whisky is
doubled.
Bone dry Prohibition goes into effect in Washing-
ton, D. C, on February 24, by the terms of an amend-
ment to the War Revenue bill, providing that the Reed
bone dry law shall apply to the District of Columbia.
The House Judiciary Committee on February 24
approves a Prohibition law enforcement measure.
On February 25 a sub-committee of the Senate
Judiciary Committee favorably reports the Sheppard
War-Time Prohibition Enforcement bill.
A Prohibition enforcement measure, to make effec-
tive the National Prohibition Amendment, is adopted
by the California Legislature.
Wet forces win an uncontested license election in
Chicago on April 1 ; more than 150,000 voters voting
on candidates fail to vote on the license proposal.
The Attorney General of Alabama rules that the
Alabama Prohibition law prohibits the sale of all beer
substitutes.
Liquor forces in California circulate petitions for a
referendum on the ratification of National Prohibition.
The Maine Supreme Court on June 7 rules against
World Prohibition Movement 381
the sale or possession of Jamaica ginger as an in-
toxicant.
Michigan adopts a law enforcement measure de-
signed to remedy defects in the state Prohibition law.
The Rhode Island Legislature passes an act pro-
viding that all beverages containing 4 per cent of
alcohol or less shall be deemed non-intoxicating.
A meeting of citizens of the Virgin Islands endorses
the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Con-
stitution.
The Oregon Supreme Court rules on April 29 that
a referendum cannot be had on the ratification of the
National Prohibition Amendment by the Oregon Leg-
islature.
The Attorney General of Washington rules that a
referendum cannot be held on the ratification of the
Eighteenth Amendment, in that state.
William E. ("Pussyfoot") Johnson, a representa-
tive of the Anti-Saloon League of America, is at-
tacked by a mob in London, England, on November 13,
forcibly taken from the platform of Essex Hall and
carried through the streets of London by medical
students and others protesting against the Prohibition
movement. Mr. Johnson sustains the loss of an eye,
but discloses rare qualities of sportsmanship and be-
comes a hero for his remarkable diplomacy in handling
a serious situation in the interest of the Prohibition
cause.
On December 15, the United States Supreme Court
hands down a decision upholding the constitutionality
of the War-Time Prohibition law.
The Volstead Prohibition Enforcement Code is
passed by the United States House of Representatives
382 World Prohibition Movement
on July 22, 1919, by a vote of 287 to 100, and by the
Senate on September 4, without roll call. The measure
then goes to conference. The Senate concurs in the
conference decision on October 8, and the House con-
curs by a vote of 321 to 70, on October 10. The
measure is vetoed by President Wilson on October 27,
and passed over the President's veto, by a vote of 176
to 55 in the House of Representatives and by a vote of
65 to 20 in the United States Senate,
1920
The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitutuion,
providing for national prohibition of the sale, manu-
facture, transportation, importation and exportation
of intoxicating liquors, goes into effect at midnight,
January 16.
The Supreme Court of the United States on Janu-
ary 5 renders a decision holding that Congress has
power to define intoxicating liquors, and to fix the
standard of alcohol at one-half of 1 per cent by
volume.
The United States Supreme Court on January 7 de-
cides "two-thirds majority of Congress" means two-
thirds of a quorum present and voting.
The records of the United States Internal Revenue
Department show that when the constitutional prohibi-
tory amendment becomes operative in the United
States there are 69,233,000 gallons of distilled liquors
in bonded warehouses of which 38,134,000 gallons are
in Kentucky warehouses.
The General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
church in session at Des Moines, Iowa, in May,
strongly declares for pressing the movement for Pro-
World Prohibition Movement 383
hibition throughout the world and endorses the World
League Against Alcoholism.
The New York State Legislature in defiance of the
provisions of the National Prohibition law enacts a
statute permitting the sale of beer having 2.75 per cent
of alcohol.
The Democratic State Convention of New York de-
clares for the amending of the National Prohibition
Enforcement Law so as to permit the sale of beer and
light wine.
The Ohio Legislature enacts a prohibitory enforce-
ment law which, under the referendum provision of
the state, is referred to the people for final action.
A strong effort to weaken the Prohibition enforce-
ment law in the Legislature of Virginia is defeated.
The National Republican Convention in session at
Chicago in June, makes no reference in its platform
either to the Prohibition Amendment to the Constitu-
tion or the Volstead Prohibitory Enforcement Code.
The National Convention of the Democratic Party
in session at San Francisco in June declares against
the adoption of a Prohibition plank in the platform by
a vote of 929^ to 155^. On the same day the Con-
vention rejects a beer and wine plank by a vote of
726>^ to 356.
The National Prohibition Party holds its national
convention at Lincoln, Nebraska, in July and nomi-
nates William Jennings Bryan for President. Upon
Bryan's declination to accept the nomination the con-
vention nominates Rev. A. S. Watkins of Ohio for
President and Doctor D. Leigh Colvin of New York
for Vice-President.
The Massachusetts State Legislature passes a bill
384 World Prohibition Movement
providing for 2.75 per cent beer but the measure is
promptly vetoed by Governor Calvin Coolidge.
The United States Supreme Court on January 13
decides that the Reed Amendment prohibits a person
from carrying liquor into a Prohibition state on a
street car for his own use, even though the law of the
state permitted such transportation of liquor.
On June 1, the United States Supreme Court de-
cides that the referendum by a state on a proposed
amendment to the Constitution of the United States
was invalid.
The Supreme Court of the United States on June 7
unanimously renders a decision upholding the validity
of the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, and
the Volstead Enforcement Act.
A large delegation of women representing the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union of the United
States attends the World's Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union convention in London, in June.
The records of the first year of Prohibition in the
United States under the War-Time Prohibition Meas-
ure which went into effect on July 1, 1919, and the
National Prohibition Amendment which became oper-
ative on January 16, 1920, show a remarkable decrease
in crime and overwhelming benefits of every kind.
The Fifteenth International Congress Against Alco-
holism is held in Washington, D. C, Sept. 21-27, both
inclusive. The Congress is conducted by the direction
of the United States Department of State under the
authority and appropriations of the United States
Congresr.. The United States government officially
invites every nation with which it has diplomatic rela-
tions to send delegates to this Congress.
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